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The world’s leading thinkers, politicians and cultural figures interviewed by the BBC

Find out what the world’s leading thinkers, politicians and cultural figures really think, as they talk about their lives for thirty minutes on The Interview.

***The Interview is no longer broadcast on-air but you can listen to our archive below.***

A half hour interview with interesting and prominent people from around the world with a great range of interests and opinions. Each week, one person is put under the spotlight by either Owen Bennett-Jones or Carrie Gracie, the two presenters on The Interview.  

They explore topical issues, personal motivation and interviewee's hopes and fears. The style is informal and conversational, but at times searching and combative when required.

The Interview

The Interview Archive: Bernard Kouchner, France's Foreign Minister

24/10/2009

Bernard Kouchner, France's Foreign Minister

BBC World Service - The Interview Archive, Bernard Kouchner, France's Foreign Minister

How does an activist turned politician reconcile his beliefs with the realities of office?

A human rights activist before he became France's Foreign Minister, how does Bernard Kouchner reconcile his beliefs with the political realities of office?

Bernard Kouchner was a doctor and an activist when he helped set up Medecins Sans Frontieres back in the 1970s, aiming to deliver medical aid across borders, wherever it was needed.
Since then he has taken his human rights activism to bring change at the United Nations and the highest levels of French governnment.
He talks to Owen Bennett Jones about how he reconciles his beliefs with the political realities of office -- dealing with events in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Guinea for example. 
And he explains why wanted to pay his respects to former leaders Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan and Omar Bongo of Gabon.

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