The International Crisis Group (ICG) honored William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States, and Issam M. Fares, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, for their work to help resolve international conflict. The recipients were toasted at a fete that raised $1.1 million for ICG at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on October 28.
ICG is an independent, non-partisan organization that provides reports and analysis to governments, non-governmental organizations and others about on preventing, containing or resolving deadly conflicts around the world. "We believe in the tremendous power of collective action," said Louise Arbour, president and CEO of ICG, as she introduced master of ceremonies Christiane Amanpour.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Fares was honored for his work to help settle conflicts in the Middle East, while Former Presidents Bush and Clinton were honored for work to curb nuclear proliferation, to end conflicts and sustain peace. Lauren Bush accepted her grandfather's award.
"The United States cannot want peace for somebody more than they want it for themselves," regarding the challenges this country faces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world, Clinton said as he accepted his award. He expressed concern for his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who landed in Pakistan earlier in the day and was greeted by some of the worst violence in that region in a long while.
