"A vibrant economy [in Africa] would be a great deal better for all than an Africa that is overwhelmed by poverty, disease, conflict and corruption," said Tutu of items to be discussed at a summit during July in Gleneagles, Scotland, by leaders of the Group of Eight (G8), the most industrialised countries.

Brown has dubbed his proposals a "Marshall Plan for Africa" after the economic recovery programme for post-Second World War Europe propounded by the then US Secretary of State George C. Marshall.

"No one said Europe had to pull itself up by its own boot straps," noted Tutu, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who during a visit to Ireland this month commended the work of Irish musicians Bob Geldof and Bono for using their celebrity status to raise awareness of the plight of Africa.

"It is in the interests of the G8 countries to create a more stable and prosperous Africa," said Tutu.

On 11 June, finance ministers of the G7 - G8 countries minus Russia - in London agreed to wipe out US$40 billion of the debts owed by 18 of the world's poorest countries to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, an amount that could rise to more than US$50 billion in 18 months' time.

"With 25 days to go until the Gleneagles summit, now is the time to build on the decision to write off 100 per cent of debts owed to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to double European aid and to ensure the treatment of all Aids sufferers," Brown, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, told The Guardian newspaper.

Tutu said he was very hopeful the "leaders of the developed world will help Africa out of the morass" when they meet in Gleneagles. "As long as conditions of poverty continue in the world they will drive people to be desperate," he said, in the context of what has been called the war on terror.

Of the protests and demonstrations planned around the G8 summit, Tutu said, "The more people who attend, the better, as it gives hope and encouragement to those who are seen as the victims." [409 words]