I had the privilege of working at the Nuclear Summit in Washington this week. I started with a lunch at the Vice-President's Residence at the Naval Observatory on Wednesday. He was receiving a dozen heads of state from the "non aligned movement". I arrived early at the Residence and was able to admire the mansion, which, in fact is , as Mr.Biden himself says, more livable than the White House. Were it not for the Secret Service and the huge fence surrounding the house, the interior looks like a regular Washington DC home. Jo Biden told us that deer roam free inside the park, but are prevented from escaping by the fence. Hence, they are very tame. After my service was done with French speaking leaders, I scooted to the main event, the Summit on Nuclear Security downtown. Security, period, was at an all time high. Inside the cavernous expo Center, we promptly started with Obama's dinner. It was, as usual, fascinating to observe the relationship between the main world leaders in close proximity. I was very impressed , not only by Obama's maestria, but especially by the reverence demonstrated by his peers. I wish the American public had been able to feel the respect America inspires through its young president. Later on, I was able to observe close up, while interpreting her, Hillary Clinton at an energy summit at the IDB. For once, there is a country in excellent health.
