Mosnews - who else? - reports on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s barnstorming Darth Vader skit at the latest ASEAN conference party (yes, they really know how to party at these conferences):

Wearing a dark brown cape and hood (Darth Vader’s heavy breathing was difficult to create in the low-budget production), Lavrov brandished a lighted sword as he and his assistant argued about Asia to the tune of Jesus Christ Superstar.

“ASEAN, Superstar” was the refrain. “Do you think you’re what they say you are? ASEAN, ASEAN! Why we accept whatever you have done?”

Lavrov then launched into a tirade against Asia: “We’d have managed better if we’d had it planned. Why’d we chose such a remote Aseanis land?”

His commodore replied: “You didn’t do your homework, it’s ASEAN way. You are too suspicious, their motives are good.”

The skit was peppered with one-liners by Lavrov, who asked why Australia was here and got the reply: “Probably the kangaroos like Asian grass.”

Behind him a Powerpoint display showed a world map with most of the globe’s countries, including the United States, labeled as East Asia.

Darth Vader left singing with the crowd: “ASEAN, Superstar. You are the best friend of Russia.”

Class.  Pure class.

If anyone has photos or, better yet, audio of the event, let me know and I’ll post them on siberianlight.

Update: At last, a photo! (via the BBC)  Sergey Lavrov, pictured, models a rather fetching pink Vader suit.

And RIA Novosti has more on the serious political purpose behind Lavrov’s singalong:

Lavrov said the theatrical antics focused on real ASEAN problems.

"The performance was cool, political, humorous, witty and topical," the minister said, adding that the audience recorded the best jokes.

Yeah, whatever.  The man was wearing a pink Darth Vader suit and singing to the tune of Jesus Christ Superstar.  This demands total respect.