Ambassador Roger F. Noriega Confirmed to be Assistant Secretary of
State for Western Hemisphere Affairs


  We are pleased to announce that the Senate confirmed Ambassador Roger
F.  Noriega on the evening of July 29, to be the State Department s
Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Ambassador
Noriega, who is currently the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of
American States, will formally assume his new duties upon being sworn in.
Ambassador Noriega s appointment to this key position will strengthen American
leadership in the Western Hemisphere, and will accelerate our efforts to promote
democracy, security, human rights, civil society, and expand trade
andinvestment opportunities, to the countries of the region.