Bono: Berlusconi has exploited me

Rock star Bono has complained to Silvio Berlusconi after his picture was published in an election brochure trumpeting the Italian government's successes.

The U2 singer wrote to the Italian prime minister saying: 'As flattered as I am, I also feel a bit exploited.'

The caption beneath his photo said: 'The Irish star is grateful for the actions promoted by the Italian government towards poor countries.'

Bono, who has campaigned for G8 leaders to double aid to Africa, said in the letter to Mr Berlusconi that he

Italy had done. remembered speaking to him about debt relief but wanted to know

The country, bottom of the world's richest nations in giving aid, should more than double its handouts by 2010, he added.

Bono wrote: 'If your commitment is real then the world wants to know just how Italy intends to fulfil this.

'I would be honoured to have my name in a leader's manifesto which keeps promises to poorer nations.'

A translated copy of the letter was printed on the front page of an Italian newspaper yesterday.

Ten million copies of the Forza Italia party leaflet have been distributed before a general election next week. Opinion polls show Mr Berlusconi trailing by five points.