April 2

Today's G20 deal will solve financial crisis, claims Gordon Brown

"This is the day that the world came together to fight back against the global recession," claims PM as G20 agrees plan for economic recovery.

"I think a new world order is emerging with the foundation of a new progressive era of international cooperation," Brown said.

The French leader said a new era had begun in the world of global finance: "Since Bretton Woods, the world has been living on a financial model, the Anglo-Saxon model – it's not my place to criticize it; it has its advantages. Clearly, today, a page has been turned".

April 3 "The IMF is back"

The title is not just a slogan, but the opening sentence used by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the exultant Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, to describe the new role of the polemic financial institution after the G-20 Summit.

Do you still believe the crisis can provoke a social revolt?

What I said was that our ability to find a way out of the crisis would depend on the contents of the decision adopted by the leaders. If nothing were done, consequences such as revolts, threats to democracy, or civil warfare could take place in poor countries. I am confident the decision adopted is the evidence we are no longer at the crossroads – our position has improved.

April 3

Interview: President Lula da Silva: "We can change if we want to change".

The Brazilian leader spoke not only of a new economic order, but also of a new political scenario where Latin America will play a significant role.

"Each finance fund will have to generate a clothing item, a shoe, a car, a shirt – this is the reason why the financial system exists, rather than selling paper shares".

"What do you feel our children and grandchildren will get from this summit? In other words, will it be one of the many summits held, or an inflection point for the world economy, in terms of the way the world will be reorganized?"

"I pray God that my grandchildren be not ashamed of this summit in 15 or 20 years from now".

April 4

President Obama Speaks at G-20 Summit

"I do not buy into the notion that America can't lead in the world," Obama said, but he added that it is "very important for us to be able to forge partnerships as opposed to dictating solutions."

"In life there are no guarantees; in economics there are no guarantees. There are always risks involved. I have no doubt, though, that the steps that have been taken are critical to preventing us sliding into a depression."

The steps "were necessary," Obama said. "Whether they were sufficient, we've got to wait and see."

The author, Raúl de Sagastizabal, is an international consultant and an expert on policies and procedures of international public organizations.

(China.org.cn, April 15, 2009)