Powell dumps diplomacy for disco

[The1calledTKE]

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has donned a hard hat and tucked a hammer in his belt, performing a version of the Village People's hit "YMCA" at the conclusion of Asia's largest security meeting.

Tradition dictates that the meeting wrap up with a night of song and dance, provided by the diplomats themselves.

In 1997 Madeleine Albright, then secretary of state, bowled over the ministers when she performed a musical skit dressed as Evita Peron.

On Friday, Powell danced alongside five other U.S. officials sporting costumes that included an Indian headdress.

The group blasted out a version of the 1970s disco classic, to the delight of foreign ministers from across the Asia-Pacific and Europe.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapc....ap/index.html

I always thought that was a cool tradtion.

[Senusret I]

I had never heard of this tradition before....but knowing the stress of foreign service, it definitely doesn't shock me!

[moe.ron]

They do this every year during the ASEAN Regional Forum. It's held every year at the capital of the Chair of ASEAN. Next year's will be held in Laos.

You Read About What They Talk About Here

[Kevin]

I saw that on CNN. Hilarious.