From the news forum (u2.com)-
Edge and Yoko For Amnesty
Edge introduced Yoko Ono last night, to open 'In the time of shaking' at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Edge, who has supported Amnesty with U2 for 20 years, recalled attending the opening of the first Amnesty Irish offices in Shaw Street in Dublin in 1984.
'I'm proud of the way Ireland and Irish people have supported Amnesty ever since then.' he said, 'I'm also particularly pleased that this Irish initiative is spear-heading what will hopefully become a series of similar art exhibitions around the world that will raise money for Amnesty.'
Edge then introduced Yoko Ono to officially open the exhibition. Another long time Amnesty supporter, two years ago, acting on a suggestion made by Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, Yoko gave Amnesty International the rights to use John Lennon's song "Imagine" in a campaign for human rights.
Speaking about her visit to Ireland and about her late husband, she said "I am proud, pleased and happy to be here in Dublin today to open this wonderful exhibition which not only helps generate the support Amnesty needs but is providing a fund-raising model which we can use around the world. 'John was very conscious of his Irish background. He was extremely proud of being Liverpool Irish, which gave him a sense of rebellion and inspired his poetry. I really think that his poetry definitely came from his Liverpool Irish heritage - tradition, beauty, sense of humour and word play all being strong Irish qualities.'
Later in the evening, Yoko took Edge up on his invitation to drop by U2's recording studio and meet the rest of the band.
Even before last night's official opening, 'In The Time of Shaking' has raised more than half a million euro's for Amnesty International.
The launch was attended by over 1000 people including band friends like Gavin Friday and Guggi, whose work is featured in the show.
'There is a synergy between art and Amnesty International.' explained Amnesty International, Secretary General Irene Khan. 'Artists the world over have been supported by Amnesty when their rights were abused and support us in return as an expression of their commitment to truth through human rights.
'Art exposes truth and the sale of this work will go towards exposing the truth behind the most hidden human rights atrocity of our time ? violence against women'.