However, there are more complications to debt cancellation than meets the eye.

It has been argued that developing countries would benefit more from debt cancellation than an industrial "head start."

"How is debt cancellation going to help the poor people?"

And if the money is only used for debt cancellation, then the inflationary effects are very low.

No more than half of the debt cancellations promised in 2000 have been realised to date.

What steps is the Commission taking to tackle the issue of debt cancellation for low-income countries?

Finally, I urge you to take up the issue of debt cancellation for developing countries.

Finally, I am surprised at those who promote unconditional debt cancellation for the developing countries.

As we have seen, debt cancellation is essential, though for the debtor countries it has been in reality only a first step.

Nonetheless, leaving debt cancellation aside, there was a five billion increase in the actual aid provided to poor countries last year.