Russia blocks Clooney from debate on peacekeepers

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 ...