Geldof calls for continued help for Africa

BRISTOL, R.I., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- British rock musician and activist Bob Geldof urged Rhode Island college students to press the U.S. government to help Africa.

Speaking at Roger Williams University in Bristol Tuesday night, Geldof said public support for African debt relief and increased foreign aid could "prime the pump" of African economies and pull them out of the rut of poverty.

"You should be proud," he said, "but there's still more to do."

Geldof said the Live Aid, Band Aid and Live 8 concerts he helped organize raised a great deal of money; but debt cancellation remained a high priority, the Providence Journal reported.

He also said while African aid has tripled under the Bush administration, it was up to the Williams students and other Americans to hold the government to its promises.