World Bank president addresses global youth forum on genocide

June 16, 2005 The president of the, , has addressed a global youth forum on in , Rwanda, today, as part of a visit to four African countries this week.

Speaking on genocide, he said: "people say 'never again' too easily, It's happening today in . We all share responsibility to actually do things. The conditions of preventing genocide lie partly in helping people to have a better life. It's easier to incite people that have nothing to lose."

Asked why the international community ignored, Wolfowitz said: "There are many explanations but no excuses. We have to work with countries that are working to prevent conflict."

He said he would work together with African countries to cut poverty, citing 's phrase of a 'deal for a deal': "So many governments here are stepping up to take responsibility.". He added that World Bank assistance to service debt repayments could now go towards meeting needs, following the cancellations of the debts of the 18 poorest countries agreed by G8 countries last week.

The forum organised by Never Again, which began at the today, has participants from Rwanda, the, , the United States and Canada.

The forum continues today and includes discussions on the future of the Great Lakes region and the international community's responsibility to protect against genocide.