More Countries Join G8 Meeting | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Washington Leaders of the fastest developing market economies from countries like Brazil and Mexico want a larger say in world affairs. The leaders will take on world trade and the economy in work sessions after the G-8 spent its first day in meetings focused on issues of global security.

Leaders addressed nuclear threats in Iran and North Korea in written statements, but they did not support sanctions against the nations. "It's very important for the world community to speak to countries like Iran and North Korea, and encourage them to take a path that does not result in a nuclear arms race in places like the Middle East," said Obama.

The G-8 is also addressing issues of global warming, setting a non- binding goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by the middle of the century. But major polluters China and India failed to get on board. Smaller nations complain the G-8 doesn't deliver on promises of aid to them. "We'll be working with the developing countries between now and then to try to firm up commitments," said Deputy National Security Advisor Mike Froman.

The summit wraps up on Friday. Then President and Mrs. Obama will have an audience with the Pope before leaving for Africa.