G8 nations bid to reward 'Arab Spring' democracies

Countries at the forefront of the “Arab Spring” will receive more financial and political backing under plans being floated by Barack Obama and David Cameron.

The US President - who left Britain for France this morning - and British Prime Minister are expected to suggest bolstering support for states that turn to democracy, at a summit with fellow leaders.

The uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East are likely to dominate the two-day G8 gathering in Deauville, France.

But discussions are also due to cover the situation in Afghanistan, global economic development and reform, nuclear safety, and internet regulation.

Mr Cameron and Mr Obama reiterated their determination to keep up the military pressure on Muammar Gaddafi after meeting in London yesterday.

But the Nato campaign in Libya could provoke tensions among the G8 leaders, as Russia has expressed concerns about the extent of strikes against the regime.

There is also significant scope for friction over Syria, with Moscow resisting efforts to take action on the regime’s brutal repression of protests. A resolution is due to go before the United Nations Security Council later today.

The US and UK are expected to urge counterparts to provide more concrete financial support for fledgling democracies.

Washington has been calling for “debt swaps”, where wealthier nations agree to convert sums they are owed by countries that are implementing change – such as Egypt – into investments.

There will also be pressure for more practical advice and assistance as the states try to build up democratic institutions.

The G8 – made up of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and America – is due to be briefed tomorrow from the recently-installed prime ministers of Egypt and Tunisia, Essam Sharaf and Beji Caid el Sebsi.

French president Nicolas Sarkozy has insisted he wants the internet to be at the heart of the summit, and a delegation of executives, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Google chairman Eric Schmidt, are due to address the world leaders.

Although no Twitter representatives are thought to be on the guest list, the session could provide an opportunity for Mr Cameron to take the temperature on international regulation.

The social networking site has been at the centre of controversy after the identities of celebrities alleged to have taken out privacy injunctions in the UK were repeatedly Tweeted.

Whitehall sources have indicated there is no prospect of further aid targets being agreed at Deauville.

However, the leaders are likely to take stock of progress toward the 0.7% of GDP target for aid spending.

Shadow international development secretary Harriet Harman and charities have urged Mr Cameron to restate the government’s commitment to the goal, despite senior Tories such as Liam Fox voicing reservations.

After a working lunch today, the summit kicks off with a session on nuclear safety in the wake of the crisis created by the earthquake in Japan.