Geldof and Bono in plea to G8 leaders
7/06/2007
Proponents of debt relief for Africa were harsh in their assessment today of nearly two-year-old promises by the G8.
They remained hopeful however that leaders meeting in Germany would hold true to their pledge of providing money and help to reduce poverty on the continent.
Musician and social activist Bono told a crowd attending a protest concert in Rostock, near to the summit in Heiligendamm, that he had a "very tough meeting" with Chancellor Angela Merkel and was convinced, at one point, he might have to throw in the towel.
Fellow activist and music producer Bob Geldof said the U2 singer - with whom he has turned aid to Africa a global campaign - became depressed during their meeting with Ms Merkel.
Geldof said the German chancellor was talking about sending only €700m to Africa, instead of the €1.5bn they believe is needed.
But Geldof said he was hopeful that Ms Merkel, who on today announced an agreement among the G8 on climate change, could persuade leaders to act on Africa.
They remained hopeful however that leaders meeting in Germany would hold true to their pledge of providing money and help to reduce poverty on the continent.
Musician and social activist Bono told a crowd attending a protest concert in Rostock, near to the summit in Heiligendamm, that he had a "very tough meeting" with Chancellor Angela Merkel and was convinced, at one point, he might have to throw in the towel.
Fellow activist and music producer Bob Geldof said the U2 singer - with whom he has turned aid to Africa a global campaign - became depressed during their meeting with Ms Merkel.
Geldof said the German chancellor was talking about sending only €700m to Africa, instead of the €1.5bn they believe is needed.
But Geldof said he was hopeful that Ms Merkel, who on today announced an agreement among the G8 on climate change, could persuade leaders to act on Africa.
"It is still a long, long way off before the poor of this world will experience justice,"Geldof said.
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