Elton John joins
global petition asking G8 to honor AIDS promises

Elton John added his name to the "Global Petition Calling for Real Action on AIDS and Education," joining a growing list of stars who have signed the document including Iman, Alicia Keys, Jessica Alba, and Liv Tyler. The petition is sponsored by the Global AIDS Alliance.

The document demands that the G8 honor its commitment to combat AIDS in impoverished nations. At the 2005 G8 Summit, the participating nations promised to increase aid levels, address the shortage of health care workers in developing regions, and back the Fast Track Initiative to ensure that every child has a chance for education. Some G8 nations have resisted making specific commitments on improving health and education.

"How can we break the promises we make to the world's most vulnerable people?" John said in a press release from the Global AIDS Alliance. "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."

A number of prominent leaders have also signed the petition, including the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rabbi Michael Lerner, and Dr. Tatsuo Hayashi, chair of the Hottokenai Campaign in Japan and president of the Africa Japan Forum.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, honorary chair of the Global AIDS Alliance, launched the petition drive several weeks ago.

"The G8 Summit is not just any meeting," Tutu contends in the press release. "It's a meeting where life-and-death decisions will be made, affecting the lives of millions of people worldwide."

Leaders of the G8 countries--Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States--are slated to meet June 6-8 in Germany. The petition will remain open until June 5. It can be accessed at the Global AIDS Alliance Web site. (The Advocate)