Next month U2′s Bono is set to appear on stage with Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi when she attends a special concert held in her honor.
A theatrical celebration has been planned for Ms Suu Kyi in the Bord Gais Theatre in Dublin’s docklands on June 18. Ms Suu Kyi will attend the event as part of a whistle-stop visit to Dublin.
While U2 will not entertain crowds, Bono has not ruled out making a musical contribution on the evening, according to sources close to the group.
The singer campaigned for many years on behalf of Ms Suu Kyi (66) and prominently featured her 15 years of house arrest in Burma during the band’s performances.
The visit is being organised by Amnesty International and Art for Amnesty founder Bill Shipsey has promised a “special event to mark the occasion”.
Ms Suu Kyi will be presented with Amnesty International’s most prestigious award — Ambassador of Conscience — at the concert.
“Ms Suu Kyi will only be in Dublin for half a day or less and the concert will be the focal point, where she will receive awards and plaudits, but no details have been finalised,” said the source.
Although she will address both Houses of Parliament at Westminster in London after she leaves Ireland, it is understood that there are no plans for her to address the houses of Ireland’s Oireachtas.
“The Government will be happy to facilitate anything for the celebrated visitor but they are aware Ms Suu Kyi is a guest of Amnesty International,” the source said.
