The nation of Greece is struggling. Its unemployment rate is (soaring), near 25 percent, and the government is buried under a load of debt. It’s getting money from other countries to help out with that, but it comes with conditions. For one thing, Greece has to cut its spending,something it’s already done several times. Many of the services it used to provide no longer exist, government workers’ salaries have been cut, and for many Greeks, things haven’t been getting better. That’s why thousands spilled into the streets on Wednesday, some of them scuffling with police. A one-day strike in Athens shut down a lot of public (transportation), as well as schools there.
Across the Atlantic, to the US state of Ohio. In elections Ohio is considered a battleground state, one that either a Democrat or Republican could win. Ohio has chosen the winning presidential candidate since 1964. That’s part of the reason why both major candidates campaigned there yesterday. The (incumbent) President Obama who won Ohio by five points in 2008, is leading again in recent polls there. He accused his Republican challenger of wanting to try old economic policies that didn’t work.
Meanwhile, Republican nominee Mitt Romney said the polls aren’t his major concern. He also said, he knows how to get the U.S. Economy going again, and that the president doesn’t.
Next up, New York City, home of the headquarters of the United Nations, in where the General Assembly of all 193 member countries is meeting. Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke yesterday. The controversial leader said his nation welcomes efforts to promote peace, other countries say, Iran’s trying to build a (nuclear weapon). That’s part of the reason why the US delegation didn’t attend Ahmadinejad’s speech.
Now, with all this tension going on,diplomacy, dealing carefully with these different interests of all these different countries is key. CNN’s Alina Cho got to hang out with the master of (diplomacy), UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Good morning, nice to see you. Very early.
It’s just after 7:00 in the morning and we are at the home of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
I normally should get up at the 4, 4:30,but particularly during these days.
Especially on this day, the opening day of high level debate at the UN General Assembly.
They call the UNGA the Super Bowl of diplomacy.
For Ban Ki-moon, it’s the busiest time of the year.
Now, this week, we have around the 190leaders. I’m going to meet most of them, and ...
Which pressure do you feel?
Of course, I’m, I’m, this a lot of pressure.
So much so ...
These days I cannot sleep no more than four hours. I have only 24 hours like everybody else.
In this 24 hour period, Secretary GeneralBan will meet with the leader of the free world.
What will you say to President Obama today?
We need US leadership, President Obama’s (leadership) and influence. You will see how tight the security will be yourself.
We are off.
We quickly learn, being the SG has its perks.
Special lane, only for the leaders of UN (delegations).
Minutes later, we arrive at the United Nations and the handshakes begin.
Hi, how are you?
Once inside, more handshakes in multiple languages.
Comment allez-vous?
Salam aleikum!
Aleikum-assalam! Very good.
Dobroye utro!
Dobroye utro! Da, dobroye utro.
How many hands did you shake?
A hundred.
The SG schedule is minute by minute.
This is normally …
How do you read that?
Yes, we can, you know. You have to have very fine glasses, maybe.
A quick meeting with Brazil’s president and it’s nearly time.
Deep breath.
Deep breath.
Time for Secretary General Ban to address the world’s leaders on a world stage.
Alina Cho, CNN, New York
