国际英语新闻：G8 seek for solutions of global peace, security challenges

OTTAWA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded on Tuesday in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, with a strengthened G8 consensus and renewed impetus for addressing important global peace and security challenges.

At a press conference following the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said "We have just concluded a frank and productive discussion on key issues affecting global security today. Our dialogue has resulted in a strengthened G8 consensus and renewed impetus for addressing these critical challenges -- together with the rest of the international community -- in the months ahead."

At the meeting, G8 foreign ministers discussed three broad themes, including nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, terrorism, and security vulnerabilities. The meeting achieved tangible results on the issue of non-proliferation by making G8 Statement on Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Disarmament and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

The nuclear programs of Iran and DPRK were of particular concern to G8 ministers. "While G8 ministers agreed to remain open to dialogue with Iran, they also called on the international community to take appropriate steps to put pressure on Iran," said Cannon. "In addition, foreign ministers urged North Korea (DPRK) to come back to the table."

G8 foreign ministers also agreed to undertake an Afghanistan Pakistan Border Region Prosperity Initiative aimed at building trade and border infrastructure to foster economic development and local employment.

Ministers recognized that many countries lack effective and accountable institutions to address their security vulnerabilities in times of conflict, disaster, or stemming from terrorism, proliferation and organized crime. To help these countries, Cannon announced that Canada will host a conference of G8 senior officials to identify ways to increase the effectiveness and coherence of capacity-building efforts.