CALGARY (CP) -- Rockers Bono and Bob Geldof may attend the G-8 summit next month in Alberta to push for aid to struggling African nations, says a Web site and a lobby group.
But officials with the summit of world leaders and Bono's record company say they have no indication that the internationally known rock stars will attend.
In an interview posted on U2's official Web site earlier this week, Geldof said he'll join members of the low-key, high-profile pressure group he formed with Bono when they visit the G-8 being held in Kananaskis, Alta.
Bono, frontman for Irish rock band U2, and staff from DATA -- Debt, Aid and Trade for Africa -- leave Monday for Africa on a fact-finding mission along with American Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill.
"I've got gigs, so I can't go (to Africa)," said Geldof in the story posted on the www.u2.com.
"But I'll join them in Canada for the G-8."
Last year Bono took his message of debt reduction to the Genoa Summit in Italy, and met with Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who also favours lifting debts of developing nations.
Africa is a major focus of this year's summit of leaders from the Group of Eight highly industrialized countries. They will meet on June 26-27 in Kananaskis, Alta., a wilderness area 100 kilometres west of Calgary.
Bono was also in Washington last year to talk about the issue of AIDS in Africa with president George Bush.
Bono has worked with Jubilee 2000, a group pushing for debt reduction for developing nations, and its national co-ordinator said it's likely the singer will visit the G-8 next month.
"I don't have it confirmed with dates or where," said Marie Clarke from Jubilee 2000's Washington office.
"My understanding is it's very likely Bono will show up at the G-8."
While Bono doesn't speak for Jubilee 2000, Clarke said he's worked with them in the past.
G-8 officials said there's no indication so far that Bono or Geldof will be at the summit.
"We've had no request from these individuals to meet with the G-8 leaders," said Mike O'Shaughnessy, summit management office spokesman.
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