U2 / Why?

Portugal honours Irish rockers U2 for quarter century of humanitarian work

Irish rock band U2 lead singer Bono was awarded Sunday by Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio, with Portugal's Order of Liberty decoration, one of the country's highest honors, at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon.

Members of the Irish rock band U2 received Portugal's Order of Liberty, one of the country's highest honours, at a formal ceremony held before their concert Sunday in the Portuguese capital.

President Jorge Sampaio presented the medals to Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen in recognition of their work for humanitarian causes over the last 25 years, including heightening awareness on the debt issues facing developing countries.

U2 played at a Live Aid concert for Ethiopian famine relief two decades ago, and last month took part in the Live 8 concerts aimed at pressuring leaders of the world's richest countries to increase aid to Africa.

The award ceremony was held at the presidential palace in Lisbon. [AP]