UN probe ‘operational’ despite Alamuddin pullout

GENEVA — The president of the UN top human rights body says the commission on possible violations of the rules of war in Gaza is “operational,” despite the decision by George Clooney’s fiancee to pull out of the panel.

British-Lebanese lawyer Amal Alamuddin, who is engaged to marry the 53-year-old actor, decided she couldn’t accept the role a few hours after she was appointed as one of three commissioners, says Gabon Ambassador Baudelaire Ndong Ella, who presides over the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

US actor George Clooney (L) attending the 2013 BAFTA LA Jaguar Britannia Awards presented by BBC America at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 9, 2013. Laywer Amal Alamuddin (R) attending a press conference in London on November 5, 2012. (photo credit: (photo credit: AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR/JUSTIN TALLIS)
US actor George Clooney (L) attending the 2013 BAFTA LA Jaguar Britannia Awards presented by BBC America at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 9, 2013. Laywer Amal Alamuddin (R) attending a press conference in London on November 5, 2012. (photo credit: (photo credit: AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR/JUSTIN TALLIS)

Alamuddin, an expert on human rights, was among a number of people that Ndong Ella approached as potential candidates, he said Tuesday, adding he will later decide “on how best to support and strengthen” the commission.

Alamuddin said Monday she “unfortunately could not accept this role.”

— AFP

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