FRANCE: If the mutual admiration expressed by Bono and President Jacques Chirac on the steps of the Élysée Palace could be packaged for the benefit of the poor, the developing world would have no problems.
"This is a man who has been to Africa more than any other politician ever," the Irish rock star said. "I'm here because he has a passion for Africa, and I want to turn his passion into cash."
Mr Chirac described Bono as "a development specialist who combines competence with a big heart". Bono's journey through Africa with the US Treasury Secretary, Mr Paul O'Neill, had been "extremely positive", Mr Chirac added.
Bono did not let the grand surroundings deter him from his mission. "There is an emergency in Africa now: the AIDS pandemic," he said. "We will be remembered by the war against terror, the Internet and how we let an entire continent burst into flames while we stood around."
When they finally emerged an hour and 20 minutes later, the earnest discussion continued on the Élysée steps, Mr Chirac, a study in elegance in his usual Lanvin suit, Bono, the picture of radical chic, wearing black platform shoes, a blue-and-white chequered shirt hanging over his trousers and blue Bulgari wraparound sunglasses.
"Bye!" Jacques shouted with a wave as Bono paused for a chat with journalists.
Mr Chirac said he was "ready to give more money," Bono reported. How much? the journalists asked. "He gave me 50 francs for a taxi," Bono joked. "My relationship with all politicians is: if the money is not forthcoming, I'll be back."
Where would Bono's crusade take him next? He was considering whether to travel to next week's G8 summit in Canada.
"I'm better just being a squeaky wheel; turning up and pestering politicians, reminding them of their words, of their commitments," he said. "It is more glamorous to be on the barricades with a handkerchief over your nose throwing rocks than it is for me to be standing in a suit and tie, even if it's not my own. But I do feel it's good to be in the room, and in the ear of President Chirac."
The green necktie was a loan from Bono's brother. "He said, 'If you're going to meet the money people, you should always wear a tie." Then Bono jumped into a chauffeur-driven Mercedes and flashed a peace sign as he was whisked out of the courtyard.
