War may be breaking out, but this year's Miss Universe contestants would rather be making love. As Miss Germany says about the bombs that are falling: "Why? I don't know why."

"But I only can say," she continues, "that Miss Israel and Miss Lebanon, they're a great example." Why? "because they are great friends" she says.

Miss Canada seconds this thought: "The fact that Miss Lebanon and Miss Israel can be friends... if people can see that... it sets a wonderful example." She also points out a similar dynamic between Miss Greece and Miss Turkey, whose countries also do not get along. Peace appears to be the unofficial theme of this year's pageant.

Miss Philippines told the cameras that things are going just as they should: the contestants have been seeing the sites, attending parties and rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing.