New US envoy to assume post this week

Incoming United States Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney is expected to arrive in Manila late this week, the US Embassy in Manila said yesterday.

Embassy Press Attaché Matthew Lussenhop said there is no specific date yet for Kenney’s arrival but she is expected to be in the country this week.

"We hope to see her late this week," Lussenhop said.

Kenney called on Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr., Philippine permanent representative to the United Nations, yesterday at the Philippine Center in New York.

During the courtesy call, the two envoys discussed bilateral relations between Manila and Washington and cooperation in the UN on current international issues.

Kenney is the first US woman ambassador to the Philippines.

It was during the courtesy call that Baja learned that the new US envoy, a career diplomat, is expected to assume her new post this week.

Kenney, who was confirmed by the US Senate on Feb. 17, was sworn in on Monday by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Prior to serving as ambassador to Ecuador, she held senior positions at the State Department and National Security Council in Washington as well as overseas positions in Geneva, Argentina and Jamaica.

Kenney will replace former Ambassador Francis Ricciardone who was appointed as ambassador to Egypt. — Pia Lee-Brago