News Release
For immediate release
In Washington, DC:
Christopher Lagan
1202 464 1318
christopher@data.org
By request, U2 to play Ottawa -- "Great night out" if Canadians continue to call on PM
Washington, DC - March 8, 2005 - U2 has announced the addition of a November 25th performance in Ottawa to the Vertigo//2005 world tour. The concert, at the Corel Centre, promises to be a massive celebration of Canada's commitment to the goal of giving 0.7% of national income in international assistance.
The Ottawa performance came about as a result of a very vocal petition organized by Sandy Sharkey of Bob Radio (a local Ottawa radio station) and support from Prime Minister Paul Martin. Details of the station's campaign along with Paul Martin's support efforts were forwarded to the U2 by tour promoter The Next Adventure
Bono and Prime Minister Martin became associated during Martin's previous tenure as Canadian finance minister when the party agreed to cut debts owed to Canada by poor countries. This summer's Africa Summit of the G8 in Scotland will test that commitment and Canada's promise to contribute 0.7% of its national income to assistance for the world's poorest countries.
U2 lead singer Bono, who is a strong campaigner for debt cancellation and co-founder of the organization DATA, had the following to say: "Paul Martin asked us to play the gig... We were delighted for three reasons... One, 18,000 Ottawans is going to be a great night out... Two, because if Paul Martin agrees to give 0.7% national income to the poorest people in the world it will be a great celebration party... Three, if he doesn't it will be a great protest party. 18,000 Canadians calling and requesting their Prime Minister give 0.7 per cent GNP to aid will be an historic night out."
DATA executive director Jamie Drummond further commented: "To party or to protest? Which it is to be depends on whether Martin agrees to keep Canada's historic promise to the world's poor. Keep the promise, and this will be the best party Ottawa has ever seen. Canadians and the prime minister will determine whether this is a party. It will be a much better party if Canadians continue to contact the prime minister and voice their support for 0.7% for the world's poor."
For official tour and ticket information, visit www.U2.com
DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) promotes awareness and action to fight poverty and AIDS in Africa. For more information, visit www.data.org
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