Clooney makes peace trip to Chad

Updated 09.55 Wed Jan 23 2008

Keywords: Chad, Sudan, Geri Halliwell, Darfur, George Clooney

Hollywood star George Clooney travelled to Chad in his new role as a 'messenger of peace' for the UN.

The actor and human rights campaigner visited Chad after spending time in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to promote peace-keeping efforts after being appointed to highlight UN campaigns by the organisation's Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

It's been reported that the actor's outspoken views on the conflict in the country was part of the reason why the media was not allowed to film the star on his low-key trip

It's been reported that the actor's outspoken views on the conflict in the country was part of the reason why the media was not allowed to film the star on his low-key trip.

Clooney recently revealed that he thinks his fellow UN ambassador Geri Halliwell is "inspirational" and has apparently invited her too accompany him on his mission to Darfur once the Spice Girl's reunion tour has ended.

He reportedly said: "She was always my favourite Spice Girl. I loved her feisty approach and the fact she wasn't afraid to have an opinion."

Meanwhile, Clooney has bagged an Oscar nomination for his role in the legal thriller Michael Clayton.

The Ocean's Thirteen star will compete for the best actor gong against Daniel Day-Lewis for his role in There Will Be Blood, Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises, and Tommy Lee Jones for In the Valley of Elah.