Chirac Calls for Global Anti-Poverty Tax

Speaking at the United Nations in New York, French President Jacques Chirac praised a report prepared by a French working group, which suggested an international tax be levied on arms sales and some financial transactions in a bid to eradicate poverty. The report contains "technically realistic and economically rational solutions," Chirac said, according to Reuters. Chirac's ideas were attacked by the US delegation. "Global taxes are inherently undemocratic," US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said. "Implementation is impossible." Chirac has also caused controversy in the EU by proposing a harmonized way of calculating corporate tax, which is strongly opposed by the UK. (EUobserver.com)