International
Bono on the G8
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As Italy hosts the G8 Summit today through Friday, U2 just happened to perform in San Siro, Milan yesterday. During their concert, Bono expressed frustration with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s failure to keep his promises to Africa and urged him to take action in the next 3 days before the G8 Summit is over. You can read more about this Hot Topic here.
A transcript of Bono’s statement below:
It is well known that I have had some differences with your Prime Minister over promises that were made and not kept to the World’s poor.
I would like you to know that never ever would I disrespect the Italian people - Never.
Or the Prime Minister’s party or even the Prime Minister as a person, I do not disrespect.
But as Prime Minister right now - Yes.
Italian’s have given many gifts to the world, modern physics, the renaissance… the piano, the gift of singing from Pavarotti to Puccini to Jovanotti to Zucchero. You have so many gifts.
Well in the next few days… Your leader will decide where he stands on the gift of Life that lives beyond these shores.
If you think he should do what he promised for the poorest and most vulnerable in Africa - you need to let him know. Because he is not.
He is not increasing aid as he said he would - he is slashing it.
Do you think he should do what he promised? I thought so.
Well he still can - tomorrow, Thursday, Friday… he still can, and we’ll be waiting to see if he does.
I write songs… Berlusconi gets to write history…
For his chapter to end with dignity we want to dedicate this next song for him. It’s called One.
We are calling for the Italian government to immediately:
- Reverse the €411 million aid cut
- Provide an additional €350 million for agriculture
- Pay their Global Fund contributions for 2009
- Produce a clear plan and timetable to show how they will get back on track with their Gleneagles commitments
- Previous Post Waiting for Obama
- Next Post G8 Update!
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08/07/2009 at 6:36 pm
I agree Mr Bono’s words about our leader, unfortunately he cannot understand these focuses, he’s too Tory. By the way, many compliments for the Concert in Milan
Maurizio
08/07/2009 at 9:53 pm
At the end of the song “One” at today’s concert in San Siro, Italy, it was reported that Bono sang “Do you hear us coming Silvio? Do you hear us call?”
It made my Heart smile. Thanks Bono.~
And thanks Chris for this post.
All the Best, debbie