The Economic Problem:
Unlimited wants, but limited resources to supply those wants. Who ever owns the factors of production essentially owns these resources, and is better off.
The solution to poverty is deeper than merely "calling off" a country's debt. Economical, and political aspects also have to be taken into account. Think of it this way; investment in a nation stimulates economic growth, employment, spending, and eventually leads to a higher standard of living. Let's say you are an investor and you have two options; to invest in the USA, where you are guaranteed a satisfactory returned, or Ethiopia, where you are virtually guaranteed no return at all. Obviously investors will favour the USA as their place of investment, thus Ethiopia misses out. This shows that poverty goes beyond this debt bullshit. The world has to work together to assist the econmomical development of these nations so they wont be left behind. I mean, seriosly, why do you think they acquired such a debt in the first place?