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Bono Urges Chirac to Champion Africa
Posted on Thursday, June 20 @ 09:00:24 CEST by Macphisto
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PARIS (Associated Press) -- Rock star Bono on Thursday urged French President Jacques Chirac to be "a champion for Africa" when he and other world leaders meet next week to discuss a new African development plan.
Chirac has "been in Africa more than any other politician," the U2 singer and activist said before meeting the French leader at his presidential Elysee Palace.
"He has a passion for Africa and I want to turn his passion into cash," Bono said.
France and other Group of Eight nations will discuss the new plan for Africa at a June 26-27 meeting in Canada. It offers a package of trade and aid help for Africa, coupled with assistance in ending civil wars and improving governance across the continent.
"We're looking for a champion for Africa for this year's G8 and next year in France," Bono said.
Chirac said he hoped for progress at the summit and pledged that "France will play its part."
The French leader said it was essential that industrial nations cancel or reduce debts owed by poor nations and improve development aid.
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