Russia blocks Clooney from debate on peacekeepers

Jan 31, 2008, 22:02 GMT

United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary- General Asha-Rose Migiro (R) poses for photographers with US actor George Clooney (2-R), Clooney\'s mother Nina (2-L) and father Nick (L) before Clooney was named UN Messenger of Peace at UN headquarters in New York, USA, 31 January 2008. EPA/JUSTIN LANE

New York - After being named a Messenger of Peace for the United Nations on Thursday, Academy Award winner George Clooney got a taste of superpower play when Russia barred him from attending a meeting of governments that send troops to UN missions.

Clooney came to UN headquarters in New York to receive a certificate naming him to the position and a dove pin from Deputy Secretary General Asha Rose Migiro and was to appear before a committee of troops contributing countries to peacekeeping missions, which includes all major powers.

But the Russian delegation objected to the presence of a US movie actor, saying it considered it inappropriate for Clooney to speak on peacekeeping. Clooney instead showed up at a news conference, but was mum about the brush with the veto-wielding Russians, a major provider of military gear and funds to the UN peace missions.

Clooney withheld comment on his personal opinion on the Serb province of Kosovo, which wants independence. Russia and Serbia are strongly opposed to the move.

He said during the news conference that he was supposed to report to the committee on his recent visits to Darfur, Chad and eastern Congo. He said those populations were hoping for peace.

'It's only because of the determination of the UN peacekeepers that this hope is possible,' Clooney said, adding that his work as a Messenger of Peace for peacekeeping should 'shed a light' on UN activities around the world.

'I am proud to be here as a Messenger of Peace, and the message is, the world is watching and you can't afford to fail,' he said.

He said he had personally been focusing on the ethnic war in Sudan's Darfur, but would now like to see more places where UN peace troops are based.

'I'll go wherever I have to that will bring my attention,' he said. He has visited several African countries deeply troubled by destructive conflicts, and said UN peacekeeping operations played a part in restoring peace.

'I can fail more than I can succeed,' he said, pledging to lobby governments, particularly Washington, to provide funding and military equipment to help the peacekeepers.

The UN currently desperately needs helicopters for peacekeeping operations in Darfur, but no countries have come forward with even one craft.

The UN has appointed at least 12 Messengers of Peace to help its activities around the world, including Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al-Hussein, whose focus is on hunger; orchestra conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim, who focuses on peace and tolerance; Michael Douglas on disarmament; cellist Yo-Yo Ma, youth; and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel on human rights.

Messengers of Peace are chosen because of their integrity and a strong desire and ability to mobilize public interest and support for UN principles. They are also individuals recognized for talents in the arts, sciences, literature and entertainment.