New US envoy gets RP approval

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo yesterday said the Philippines has accepted Ambassador Cameron Hume as the next US envoy to Manila, replacing Francis Ricciardone.
Romulo confirmed reports of the US state department’s nomination of Hume, the current US envoy to South Africa, as the next ambassador to Manila.

Romulo however clarified that Hume’s name still has to be submitted to the US Senate for confirmation.

"I don’t think he would like to come here until his designation is confirmed," he said.
"Until the official submission of Hume’s name, both Hume and Ricciardone will have to stay in the sidelines."

Hume is an acknowledged conflict resolution expert.

Hume was named US envoy to South Africa in November 2001.

Although not familiar with Asia, Hume has links with the US Institute of Peace (USIP).

Hume’s first ambassadorial post was in Algeria from 1997 to 2000. He was deputy chief of mission at the Vatican from 1991 to 1994.

He has an extensive background in the US mission at the United Nations, where he served as minister-counselor for political affairs for three years, beginning in 1994. He was also tapped as adviser and then senior adviser on the Middle East in 1990.

A graduate of Princeton University and American University School of Law, Hume joined the Foreign Service in 1970.

He is married and has four daughters.