Friday, 10 October 2008

Magazine report says Elton John to visit Cambodia

Monsters and Critics

Oct 9, 2008

Phnom Penh - Sir Elton John, British superstar and heavyweight activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS, has told a US magazine he is planning a visit to Cambodia.

Sir Elton and partner David Furnish have raised more than 150 million dollars for projects to assist people living with the virus through the Elton John Aids Foundation since it was set up in 1992.

'This year, we look forward to traveling to Cambodia to visit projects in that country,' Kansas City-based Camp Magazine quoted Sir Elton as telling journalist and gay rights activist Mark Segal.

The colourful pop icon, known for dozens of hits including Crocodile Rock, I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues and his tribute to Princess Diana, Candle in the Wind, has focused his humanitarian work on HIV/AIDS projects and regularly visits countries ravaged by the virus such as South Africa.

Although Cambodia has reduced its rate of HIV/AIDS in recent years, it still has one of the highest in the region and people with the virus continue to face stigma and discrimination.

The visit would be Sir Elton's first to Cambodia.

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