Bono: International Humanitarian

Tweet by Justin Karp
Special to WTOP.com

WASHINGTON - It may not have been the Grammys, but that didn't mean Bono couldn't steal the show. The U2 lead singer and humanitarian joined several honorees, including former President Bill Clinton, in receiving awards from the Atlantic Council Wednesday night at the Ritz-Carlton in Foggy Bottom.

Bono, whose efforts in raising awareness and resources to help fight poverty and disease in Africa, earned him the the council's first Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award. The council honored Clinton with the Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award for his work to expand NATO and end genocide in the Balkans.

The former president says that cooperation between nations in times of need is vital. "Divorce is not an option," Clinton said, in reference to country's interdependency on each other. Bono called Clinton, a "cat from Arkansas," an extraordinary man.

The Atlantic Council holds its yearly awards to highlight standout efforts involved with the different aspects of U.S.-European relations including politics, business, military and humanitarian leadership.

Others who were honored include Deutsche Bank chief executive Dr. Joseph Ackerman for his work to stabilize the economy during the economic crisis and French Air Force Gen. Stephane Abrial for his work in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

WTOP's Michelle Basch contributed to this report.
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