Michael Jackson - Jackson Takes His Aids Fight To Congress

Troubled superstar MICHAEL JACKSON is planning a mission to Africa later this year (04) - as part of his fight against the spread of AIDS in the country.

The THRILLER singer, 45, is currently in Washington DC, where yesterday (30MAR04) he met with several leading black members of Congress to discuss his plans.

Although Jackson was not permitted to sit in on the latest Congressional Black Caucus meeting - which is attended by all 38 members - he did spent time with Congressman CHAKA FATTAH, a Pennsylvania Democrat, talking about his AIDS work.

Fattah praised Jackson saying, "He's one of the leading celebrities in the world who has actually used his celebrity status to help people"

And JACKO - who is currently facing multiple charges of child molestation in his native California - publically pledged to contribute as much help as needed to the initiative.

He says in a statement directed at black Congress members: "What I want you to know is that whatever I can do to assist you in your fight I will do."

The BAD star remains in Washington as he prepares to be presented with an award honouring him for his overseas work against the killer disease.