BEIJING, May 15 -- Irish band U2's lead singer Bono is to edit the British national newspaper The Independent next week. He'll highlight the problems facing Africa, particularly the fight against AIDS, the publication said.

    The rockstar and activist will take the editor's chair Tuesday as part of the "Red" initiative he launched with American philanthropist Bobby Shriver to involve the corporate world in the battle against AIDS, the paper said.

    "Red" is a project that will market red-themed products from Converse footwear, Gap clothing and Giorgio Armani including sports shoes, T-shirts and sunglasses ¡ª some produced in Africa, some with African materials.

    A slice of the revenue ¡ª numbers vary by company and product ¡ª will go to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

    Editor Simon Kelner said The Independent was the first media organization to sign up for the scheme, in which companies create special products and donate a percentage of profits to AIDS charities in Africa.

    Half of all the revenues from Tuesday's newspaper will be donated to the cause, Kelner added.

    "We are delighted to be involved with 'Red,' and I am thrilled to be handing over the editor's desk for a day to Bono," Kelner wrote.

    "His perspective on world affairs is unique, his access to world leaders is second to none, and he shares the sensibilities of our newspaper."

    Kelner said Bono had already commissioned a number of features for the day, including an interview with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)