US should tackle global poverty, says Clinton

Bill Clinton called on the United States yesterday to do more to combat global poverty, saying America's war against the al-Qa'ida network had to go hand in hand with addressing the problems of the developing world.

The former US president was speaking at an international conference on human rights in Prague – amid security that was remarkably light for a man who has been publicly identified by al-Qa'ida as one of its main targets. Mr Clinton's secret service minders had to push through the crowds as he was mobbed by delegates trying to shake his hand. The conference was held in part of Prague Castle, while the rest of the building was open to tourists, without any security checks.

The Dalai Lama was scheduled to attend, but cancelled at the last minute after the Indian government, which provides his security, advised him not to go. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Shimon Peres, is sched- uled to speak today. The conference, which was arranged by the Czech President, Vaclav Havel, before 11 September, has become dominated by the recent terrorist attacks.