U.N. chief gives 007 a special mission: To eliminate mines

UNITED NATIONS - Daniel Craig, who won international acclaim playing James Bond, received a special mission on Tuesday when Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed the actor as the first U.N. Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.

In a brief ceremony at U.N. headquarters, Ban thanked Craig for his commitment to support the U.N.'s vision for a world free from the threat of land mines and explosive remnants of war.

"Along with moviegoers worldwide, I have been on the edge of my seat watching Mr. Craig, as James Bond, defuse ticking time-bombs with seconds to spare," the secretary-general said. "I am even more excited that Mr. Craig has agreed to use his star power to draw attention to the noble causes of mine destruction and mine awareness."

He said Craig's designation as a global advocate for three years was one of a number of events organized to observe the 10th anniversary of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

Craig toured an exhibit at the U.N. on the impact of mines, and Ban said he hoped his efforts would raise awareness of efforts to rid the world of mines and raise political and financial support.