From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Wed Jul 09 2008 - 09:12:40 EDT
Outrage Over Lavish G-8 dinner At Food Crisis Talks
7/9/2008 7:36 AM ET
(RTTNews) - The G-8 leaders have sparked outrage after it was revealed they
feasted on sumptuous food consisting of a six-course lunch followed by an
eight-course dinner at the G-8 summit where the global food crisis was one
of the topics high on the agenda.
Just hours after stressing that they were "deeply concerned" over rising
food prices and supply shortages, and urging the world to reduce the
"unnecessary demand" for food, the leaders of the eight industrialized
nations were served 24 different lavish dishes by their Japanese host during
their first day at the summit.
Ironically, leaders from Africa - where some of the world's poorest nations
exist - - including the heads of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Senegal, who had
taken part in the talks, were excluded from the feast organized by the
Japanese government in Hokkaido, according to media reports.
The dinner consisted of 18 dishes in eight courses, including caviar, smoked
salmon, Kyoto beef and a "G8 fantasy dessert". Five different wines from
around the world, including champagne, a French Bourgogne and sake
accompanied the banquet.
The dinner came just hours after a "working lunch" consisting of six
courses, including white asparagus and truffle soup, crab and a supreme of
chicken.
British opposition politicians and charities have lashed out at the
extravagant dishes served out amid growing concern over rising food prices
triggered by a shortage of many basic commodities that have led to food
riots in many countries.
Dominic Nutt, of Britain's Save the Children, said Tuesday it is deeply
hypocritical of G-8 leaders that they should be indulging in such lavish
feast when there is a food crisis and millions cannot afford a decent meal
to eat in a day.
Andrew Mitchell, the shadow International Development Secretary, also
acknowledged the G-8 has got off to an inappropriate start to its summit,
with excessive cost and lavish consumption.
"Surely it is not unreasonable for each leader to give a guarantee that he
will stand by their solemn pledges of three years ago at Gleneagles
(Scotland) to help the world's poor."
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com
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