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24-07-01 news BY TALIA SOGHOMONIAN
Bono & Geldof Drop protesters...

Bono and Bob Geldof have criticised the violence caused by anti-globalization demonstrators in Genoa this weekend where the G8 Summit was taking place.

The Irish stars were in the Italian city to meet with heads of state and advisors concerning the eradication of Third World debt.

Speaking on behalf of the Drop the Debt campaign, Bono condemned the violent demonstrations. "Violence is never right, whether it's organized from the police, the army or the protester groups in our opinion. But I really understand the anger out on the streets. Anger is the rational response to the insanity of this ever-widening gap of inequality."

He also added that violence was not the way to make oneself heard. "I'm angry, and though it's okay to bang your fist on the table, it is not okay to out your fist in the face of your opponent, whether you are a protector or the police."

Joanne Brown from Drop the Debt had earlier confirmed that they would not participate in the march on Saturday (July 21).

"Drop the Debt has decided not to take part in the march today because of the violence yesterday."

More than 150,000 demonstrators marched through Genoa on Saturday, making it the biggest, and definitely most violent, anti-globalization protest to date.

"They destroyed a day where there was an actual dialogue going on between some African leaders and the wealthy nations," Bono said.

Geldof, however, was more positive concerning the debt relief campaign. "From the Drop the Debt point of view, despite the activities on the street, we have had a very successful summit."

The rock stars met with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and European Union President Romano Prodi, who were urged to eradicate debt and fight AIDS in the world's poorest countries.

"We have been able to push our agenda of debt cancellation," said an optimistic Geldof.

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