In the Hollywood movie The Interpreter, Nicole Kidman works at the UN and overhears an assassination plot.

In real life, UN interpreters may not hear about international espionage, but they do get to hear political secrets and classified information.

Interpreter Ashraf Kamal, who consulted on the movie, was the interpreter used to negotiate with Muammar Qadhafi in Libya in 1992 following the Lockerbie bombing.

He says he’s tried other jobs at the UN, but loves interpreting because it’s challenging and not everyone can do it.

Julie Walker spoke with Mr. Kamal about his work on the movie and with the UN.

Duration: 4’16″

See: United Nations Radio