Gulf News looks back over the years at concerns and issues raised by readers in their letters to the newspaper. It’s a retrospective that offers an insight into the community, the development of the country and the people. Today’s letters are from 1980.

Support the Third World
Gulf News's report on the Opec proposal to increase aid to Third World Countries that was disclosed by the UAE's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources would help the non-oil producing countries that were adversely affected by the increase in oil prices. The minister also said the industrialised world should try to ease the burden placed on poor countries because of the increased cost of goods and technology. While agreeing with the minister, I would like to point out the need to influence and direct the Chambers of Commerce in Opec countries to broaden their trade activities with Third World nations by increasing their import quotas from those countries.
From Mr Alex Marshan
Dubai

Out of proportion
The environmental pollution problem is a real headache to the industrial world, especially the developed nations in the Western bloc. There are powerful, anti-pollution lobbies in those countries, which one way or another know how to grab the attention of the media. The most recent report was on the "polluted" Mediterranean Sea where, "though the holiday season has barely begun newspapers are already reporting skin rashes and upset stomachs caused by swimming in the sea". Russia is another great nation, highly advanced in science, technology and industry. It would be interesting to know how they tackle this problem and the anti-pollution lobby in Russia.
From Mr Ben Thompson
Jebel Ali

Better every day
Gulf News is becoming more and more readable by the day. The quality as well as the quantity of local reports has improved considerably. Reports, for instance, about the labour laws were both interesting and also very relevant to many people. I'm sure the newspaper's exclusive interest in this matter of importance to so many of us will only fetch Gulf News good rewards and many thanks. Some of the editorials, if not all, have also been thought provoking. The observations as reflected in the editorial themes about Third World countries and Gulf News's efforts through them to bring us closer to the Arab ethos and culture are all very commendable, indeed.
From Mr Robin Duckworth
Sharjah

Middle ground
Delayed marriages could help curb rapid population growth, says a recent report. The report, which was published in a recent issue of Gulf News, also says "more and more developing nations are now urging their young to marry late". Some Third World leaders have expressed their concern that this is a part of a disguised campaign by the industrialised world to defuse rapid population growth in poor countries, which threaten the political and economic stability of rich nations. It is a fact that most developing countries are finding it difficult to manage their large populations without outside help. The rise in the age of marriage in the developed world is a direct result of that society's acceptance of deformed values that are dictated by such things as pre-marital sex and trial marriages. Are the societies in the Third World prepared for that growth? Is it possible to adopt these values without causing any damage to the social fabric of those countries?
From Mr K.S. Rao
Dubai

Find a solution
In spite of over a decade of pleas, demands and political manoeuvring, the future of Third World countries still seems as bleak as ever. Some say surplus petrodollars should be channelled to development projects in those countries. Others argue that industrialised nations should contribute more towards this effort. This has created two problems for developing nations: It's blocking the world's monetary resources and it's creating environmental problems. I think the UN should take up this matter and evolve a consensus to make it obligatory for all nations that spend more than a stipulated amount of its money on defence systems, which are potential hazards or risks, to contribute an amount equal or at least ten per cent of their military expenditure to the Save Humanity Fund.
From Mr Peter Scott
Sharjah

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