Katherine Haddon

74 mins: Germany are still looking for another one.

1321 GMT - Dave Clark writes: I was one of only five reporters to ask Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso a question, and the only non-Japanese speaker. No surprise there, though. I was told I'd been chosen to ask a question two days ago, I submitted it yesterday and was escorted to a pre-arranged seat near the microphone by his press team. I hear I went out live on Japanese television, so a big hello to my new fans out there. I was the big bloke with the beard who wanted to know about global trade imbalances.

1227 GMT - Denis Barnett writes: The US president says the G8 nations are seriously concerned about the "appalling events" taking place in Iran since last month's disputed presidential vote.

1123 GMT - Paris Correspondent Dave Clark says: Once under way, one international summit seems much like another, only the catering changes. Perhaps surprisingly, the food for the press in L'Aquila is not a patch on the sauerkraut and sausages we got at the NATO gig in Strasbourg. It seems the contract went to a motorway services firm. The press centre bar is, however, excellent. I just grabbed an espresso doppio and a square of focaccia on my way to see the Japanese prime minister.

1058 GMT - Dave Clark writes: Just to give you a flavour of the angry mood in the aid community, Oxfam's Emma Seery says: "The Africa discussion was relegated to an insultingly token session. How can we take the G8 seriously when all they offer Africa is broken promises and photo opportunities?"

1020 GMT - Dave Clark reports: The G8 nations and 19 partner countries announce they've agreed a package of measures worth at least 15 billion dollars to boost agriculture and food security in the developing world. "There is an urgent need for decisive action to free humankind from hunger and poverty," the statement says.

1015 GMT - A correspondent reports: Details emerge of the sleeping arrangements among the G8 leaders, some of whom have been sharing digs at a converted army barracks. A Russian source says that President Dmitry Medvedev and France's Nicolas Sarkozy have been breaking the ice while sharing the amenties in a cottage on the base. The Kremlin chief occupies the first two floors while Sarkozy's delegation is on the two upper levels. "It's been a good chance for the two to get to know each other before the president (Medvedev) goes to France next spring," says the source.

1007 GMT - Chris Otton writes: Mubarak urges the G8 to freeze repayments due on loans to Africa in order to help them through the economic crisis. African borrowers should enjoy "preferential terms," says the veteran Egyptian leader, and urges the West to reject protectionism in trade.

0958 GMT - Chris Otton writes: Organisers say the leaders plan to stage a minute's silence for the earthquake victims at the end of the summit.