Buenos Aires post for Barican?

Presidential Spokesman Fernando Barican may yet be appointed ambassador to Buenos Aires, Argentina, vice Ambassador Carlos Alberto Villa Abrille who is due for recall to the home office, a source at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The source, who requested anonymity, said Abrille, an appointee of former President Ramos and re-appointed by President Estrada, has been in Buenos Aires for about six years now.

Barican himself confirmed earlier that he was offered a diplomatic post either in Argentina or Indonesia, but turned it down "to spare Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. of any headaches."

The Jakarta post may be vacated with the forthcoming retirement in July of 70-year-old Ambassador Leonides Caday.

Siazon said they have been scouting for Caday's successor and DFA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Tirona has signified her interest in the position.

"But it's really up to President Estrada," Siazon said.

He pointed out that he could live with political appointees provided their designations were lawful, adding that the DFA "does not have the monopoly of effective envoys."

"We also need those who have people-to-people skills. Some diplomats here are really intelligent, but cannot deal with people properly," Siazon noted.

The secretary ruled out the possibility of Barican being named as permanent representative to the United Nations since Ambassador Felipe Mabilangan's term will expire in February next year.

Chances for Barican to get the Washington post were also slim as Ambassador Ernesto Maceda is to step down in September yet to go back to politics.

Maceda, formerly Senate President, has nominated Sen. Francisco Tatad as his possible successor.

DFA Undersecretary Rora Navarro-Tolentino said an incumbent ambassador virtually becomes a lame duck when his replacement is prematurely announced.