Talk Radio News Service

Jane Lute, Assistant Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping, spoke about George Clooney and his work as the UN Messenger of Peace. She traveled with Mr. Clooney in Africa. Clooney was introduced by Kiyo Akasaka, the Under Secretary. There were at least 200 press members here as opposed to the 20 which attend usual briefings.

Lute said that Mr. Clooney joined the UN in every phase of their peacekeeping mission.

Clooney responded that it was “an honor to be named to this position”. The trip was planned in secret for security reasons. “They might have seen some of my movies” he laughed.
“I am the son of news man,” Clooney said addressing the news media. He explained that each conflict zone has problems that are unique. For example in the Congo, the fighting has now stopped and he said it was a chance for peace.  But in Chad the situation has deteriorated and has the potential to spill over from Darfur.

In Darfur, Clooney explained, the UN was eventually allowed to come in. He spoke from his experience in the refugee camps that all over the Sudan there was not one person that did not hold the government of Sudan responsible.

 
Another fact that he pointed out is that the attacks have become more complicated. Clooney said that those left standing have to fight for survival. “There can be no peace until all parties sit down at the table,” he said. He mentioned that if UN Resolution 1769, it was supported by China. If the peace keepers are not Sudanese rebels then they should be welcomed the premise is that resources are scarce, but China can hold Sudan government to Resolution 1769.

The speakers emphasized that it is important to understand that the UN is not an entity unto itself; it is more than a collection of agencies. The United Nations has no helicopters, no radios that work and this must be changed.

Clooney said that peace keepers are having a problem and peacekeeping can’t be done half way. The speakers said to shut off your media if you don’t care- turn off the TV, Internet and radio.  Right now, he said, the people are hoping. They see these bright blue hats. They know only the UN can help on this scale.
Clooney said that this job has more responsibility than winning an Oscar–where all you have to do is drink after the party. He criticized the media saying, “We do not get what we need in the news.”  But, he said, a celebrity can get focus on what is needed. The speakers said that we need resources: big plot of land, helicopters, and pilots and to continue the pressure and secure protection from the troops. Clooney mentioned Kosovo saying “I have never said anything about Kosovo” It was a story that had been floated. But Clooney said, “I have to focus on what I know best.”

A question was asked about the no-bid contract to Lockheed Martin it was phrased “Will you be doing anything on contract abuse and sexual abuse by peace keepers?”

Jane Lute answered that the no-bid contract was done by the Secretary General and was consistent with regulations.

She said that we have learned that we need a capacity to plan. “We engaged them for a limited period of time,” she said. “We need a greater agility in the future.” She explained that it was an erratic process in the time leading up to Darfur. We learned a lot about the planning process.
Clooney said that extreme advocacy is needed. He explained that in order for things to work out everyone has to have an out.

 “You have to work with people who are not the greatest people in the world,” Clooney said. “I know Darfur best. This job might mean that I go to other places. I went to China and took two Olympic athletes.” He said he is hoping China takes a lead role. “Don’t think you can yell and get things done,” he said.
A question was asked to Clooney about Afghanistan– as a messenger of peace, are some wars justified? Clooney answered, “I’m not the guy to answer that.” He said that he has his own views. He said he hopes that the next U.S. president will be more inclusive of the UN than the last administration was.
And in response to the problem of sexual abuse by UN workers, the speakers responded that the UN taking a proactive stance on that. They acknowledged that it is an issue–a black eye for UN and said that they hope “to knock it off.” 

“We have new leadership at UN,” they said.

Senator Dodd (D-CT) chaired a committee hearing today entitled “Strengthening our Economy: Foreclosure Prevention and Neighborhood Preservation.”  The Committee investigated losses in the mortgage market bourne by both lenders and investors. 

The committee concluded that due to “bad lending practices” that “no sensible banker should have engaged in,” our housing market and economy in general has taken a turn for the worse.  Senator Dodd cautioned that without immediate action our economy would head toward recession.  President Bush alluded to this in his State of the Union Address Monday evening.

Robert Steel, Undersecretary for Domestic Finance, assured the Committee that the Bush Administration’s goal is to prevent foreclosures for homeowners, particularly those “at risk homeowners who can be helped.”  Emphasizing the progress achieved by Bush’s HOPE NOW program, Steel reminded the Committee of the progress already achieved regarding mitigating, “the impact of rising foreclosures on homeowners and the economy.”  With an economy in limbo, there is optimism that HOPE NOW and other government sponsored programs can aid struggling families sooner rather than later.

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee met today to discuss policy in Afghanistan. Chairman of the committee Joe Biden (D-DE) began by saying that he is skeptical of the Bush Administration’s message that the U.S. is turning a corner in Afghanistan. He said that the U.S. should make a commitment invest greater funds towards development. He called Afghan security officials “corrupt” and “ineffectual” and said that he believes the war is winnable but that the U.S. is not winning.

Panelist and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher talked about narcotics trafficking and other concerns in Afghanistan but his testimony mainly highlighted positive aspects of the situation. He foresaw a positive outcome to the conflict but advocated for increased troop levels to help train Afghan police and provide stronger security. He said that roads and infrastructure offer the greatest opportunity for Afghans and he mentioned a new $200 million budget to bring more electricity there.

Biden and the Republican leader of the committee Dick Lugar (Ind.) criticized Boucher’s testimony for painting a rosy image of Afghanistan. Boucher said that situation in Afghanistan is better than it was during the 1990s. According to him, Afghanistan has transformed from a failed state under Taliban rule to a state with great potential today.