G8 trumpets Africa aid deal as summit ends

By Madeline Chambers and Gernot Heller

HEILIGENDAMM, Germany (Reuters) - World powers on Friday pledged $60 billion (30 billion pounds) to fight AIDS and other diseases ravaging Africa but development campaigners complained the Group of Eight had offered little fresh cash for the poor.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, hosting G8 leaders and heads of five African states, trumpeted the agreement as a showpiece achievement of the three-day summit, along with Thursday's deal to push for greenhouse gas emissions cuts.

"We are conscious of our obligations and want to fulfil the promises we made. And we will do that," said Merkel. "We also gave a push to the fight against AIDS," she told reporters.

Despite deals on aid and climate, cracks showed in the united front leaders tried to present, with tension between an emboldened Russia and an alarmed West never far from the surface.

Russian President Vladimir Putin refused French entreaties to accept the independence of Kosovo. He told U.S. President George W. Bush to scrap plans to put anti-missile equipment in central Europe and use Russian facilities instead.

Putin, who is due to step down next year, ended the summit by warning foreigners not to meddle in Russia's elections after hearing concern from G8 leaders about the erosion of freedoms.

Tony Blair, who steps down this month, said he did not expect tension with Russia to diminish soon. London wants the suspected murderer of poisoned ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko extradited. Putin has called the request foolish.

FALLING SHORT