We note with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the Enhanced HIPC-Initiative, launched last year in Cologne in order to bring faster, broader and deeper debt relief for the poorest countries. Until the end of 2000, as many countries as possible should be declared eligible for the Enhanced HIPC-Initiative. Integrating debt relief in strategies for poverty reduction is of central importance for the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. Poverty reduction and debt relief demand macroeconomic stability and economic growth as well as good governance to be successful and sustainable. Significant progress has been made with respect to the financing of the bilateral and multilateral shares.
Open questions have to be settled.
We call upon bilateral and multilateral donors to meet their financial commitments.