New US ambassador arrives today

New United States Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney will arrive today to assume her post.

Kenney is the first woman to be nominated by the US government to occupy the top post at the US Embassy in Manila.

Bert Asuque, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman, said that the government was happy that a new US ambassador to Manila has been named.

"We’re happy that an ambassador has been nominated and is arriving," he said in an interview.

"(Foreign) Secretary (Aberto) Romulo is looking forward to meeting her next week prior to her presentation of credentials to President Arroyo."

Asuque said the DFA had already made preparations for the arrival of Kenney.

"Well, things are ready," he said.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said it was ready for the arrival of Kenney, along with the standard courtesies due an arriving US ambassador.

The MIAA has requested airport reporters not to divulge the flight details of Kenney upon request of the US Embassy for security reasons.

The US Embassy has remained without a chief of mission since the departure of Francis Ricciardone in May last year. — Rainier Allan Ronda