Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries on earth. Security issue or no security issue, there would need to be a focus on it.

Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges.

I only take on roles that I'm passionate about. Life is too short to do things that you're not happy with.

I only take on roles that I'm passionate about.

Well in the end the world can crank itself up to sanctions, as it has with Zimbabwe, another sad case.

I think that generally New Zealand is respected for the positions it takes because it thinks them through.

Although biodiversity loss continues globally, many countries are significantly slowing the rate of loss by shoring up protected natural areas and the services they provide, and in expanding national park systems with tighter management and more secure funding.