06/01/07 15:53

Elton John, other stars call for G8 to meet AIDS commitment

Washington (ANTARA News) - Top singer Elton John joined other top entertainers signing a petition calling on G8 leaders to stick to their promises to help poor countries, the Global AIDS Alliance announced Thursday.
Indian actress-model Padma Lakshi, model Iman, singer Alicia Keys, and actresses Jessica Alba and Liv Tyler also put their names on the "Global Petition Calling for Real Action on AIDS and Education.

"
The document demands leaders of the G8 industrialized countries follow through with pledges for more AIDS, schooling and health-related support.
"How can we break the promises we make to the world s most vulnerable people?" John was wuoted by AFP as saying in a statement.

"I am signing this petition because the G8 leaders should keep their promises, and I urge music-lovers and everyone around the world to sign it too."
The petition, organized by the Global AIDS Alliance, contends that commitments made at the 2005 G8 summit have not been kept.
"Aid levels have actually declined.

Less than half of all people in urgent need of AIDS treatment by 2010 will be receiving it, 77 million children have no access to school, and Africa alone faces a shortage of nearly 1.5 million health workers," it said.
"Mere rhetoric from the G8 will not save lives and restore hope.

We call on you, the leaders of the G8 nations, to agree on a financing plan to reach the promise of universal access to all AIDS services by 2010.
"We call on you to fully support a coordinated plan to strengthen health systems. And, we call on you to provide full funding for education, to give every child the chance to go to school.

"
Leaders of the G8 countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States -- will meet in Germany on June 6-8.
The petition was launched several weeks ago by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the honorary chair of the Global AIDS Alliance. (*)

-- google_ad_section_end --> Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon will star in a remake of the 1939 classic film comedy "Midnight," Variety reported Thursday. Britain is marking the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' iconic "Sgt. Pepper's" album with a modern rockers' recreation of the songs, amid renewed debate over its cultural significance.

A remake of "Women" will have ample reason for its title, having signed Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing and Candice Bergen, Variety said Thursday.