Clooney appointed UN peace envoy

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tonight designated actor and activist George Clooney a UN “Messenger of Peace” to help promote global awareness of the world body’s activities.

Clooney, who has been campaigning for an end to the war in Darfur and humanitarian aid for the millions caught up in the conflict, will become the ninth UN peace envoy. He will pay particular attention to the UN peacekeeping missions.

He joins fellow actor Michael Douglas, Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, primate expert Jane Goodall, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim, Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, Japanese-American violinist Midori Goto, and Olympic equestrian competitor Princess Haya of Jordan.