RICCIARDONE LEAVES EMBASSY POST TO HELP ESTABLISH U.S. EMBASSY IN IRAQ

MANILA, January 15, 2004 (STAR) As the political scene heats up, Washington has recalled its ambassador to Manila, leaving its embassy in the hands of a chargé d’affaires throughout the election period.

Francis Ricciardone will take a US-bound flight at 6:40 this morning to coordinate American efforts to help Iraq in its transition to democracy.

Ricciardone is expected to be on leave from his post in Manila until past June 30, Washington’s self-imposed deadline for setting up a sovereign government in Iraq.

He will be joined later by his wife Marie, who is still packing their belongings for their stay in Washington. Ricciardone was told of his "temporary" posting only last Saturday morning by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Joseph Mussomeli, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy, will serve as chargé d’affaires during Ricciardone’s indefinite absence.

Powell rang up President Arroyo Tuesday morning to inform her about the recall of Ricciardone. The President met with Ricciardone later in the day at Malacañang. Ricciardone merely told reporters that they discussed "a full range of issues." There was no word about the story from the Palace.

"She wished me well," Ricciardone told a handful of journalists at his Forbes Park residence yesterday afternoon, shortly before the embassy released an official statement about his departure.

Ricciardone grinned when told that his departure could spark speculation that Washington wanted to keep its hands off a presidential election in the Philippines that is bound to be a close fight.

"I’ve just told you all I know," he said.

He also emphasized that his departure at a crucial period in the Philippines was not meant to show lack of confidence in the country.

"In a backhanded sort of way… it’s a vote of confidence in this country," he said. "If we were worried about this country… Secretary Powell would not have pulled his ambassador… At the end of the day the Philippines will be just fine."

Ricciardone also had praise for President Arroyo, who has been a staunch ally of the Bush administration in the war on terror.

"The world is in a very turbulent situation," he said. "(President Arroyo) actually accomplished some things in three years… but not everything that everybody dreams of… her government of very, very good technocrats has managed to pull this country through… under unbelievable turbulence."

Told that he sounded as if he was bidding goodbye for good, Ricciardone laughed. "My intention is to come back. I’m leaving during the election campaign. That kills me."

Ricciardone was posted to the Philippines in February 2002, after more than a year when their embassy had no ambassador. The normal tour of duty of US ambassadors is from two to three years.

He said he would want to be present for the June 30 inauguration of whoever is elected president on May 10. But this may be difficult, given the June 30 deadline in Iraq.

"There’s no certain date for my return. It will certainly be for several months," he said.

Return To Baghdad

In his new job, Ricciardone will be reporting directly to Powell and will coordinate with Paul Bremer, who is overseeing US efforts to set up a democratic government in Iraq.

Ricciardone, who will eventually go to Baghdad to help set up a US embassy, clarified that Bremer will not be under him. The ambassador said his new job involves "policy coordination and operational management."

Washington closed its embassy in Baghdad on Jan. 11, 1991.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Ricciardone, who before being posted to Manila was the United States’ "special coordinator for the transition of Iraq." This meant working with the Iraqi opposition to undermine the government of Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein, and encouraging the spread of democratic ideals in that country.

Ricciardone left Iraq in January 2001, when the Bush administration came in.

He said that for his efforts in Iraq, he was "rewarded" with a "dream assignment" — his first posting as ambassador, not to Baghdad but Manila.

Ricciardone said Bremer himself requested for his help in Iraq.

Yesterday, as Ricciardone announced his departure to US Embassy staff, he said, "In the world today there is perhaps no mission more important than strengthening the freedoms and other human rights of all people, and the emergence of free and democratic Iraq surely is humanity’s greatest and most immediate challenge in this mission."

He said US relationship with the Philippines was "stronger than it has been in many years."

"President Bush and President Arroyo have shown how very much our two countries matter to each other once again," he said. "I very much look forward to returning to rejoin you in our mission in this warm and beautiful country."

‘An Extra Voice For RP’

Palace officials said Ricciardone’s indefinite leave did not signify a lack of confidence in the Arroyo administration.

"The President, I feel, is confident that her relationship with the American government, with President Bush is very healthy," said Mrs. Arroyo’s campaign spokesman Michael Defensor. "We’re not really worried."

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Ricciardone could even help the Philippines obtain reconstruction contracts in Iraq.

The most positive spin was given by Speaker Jose de Venecia, who talked on the phone with Ricciardone at noon yesterday.

With Ricciardone’s departure, De Venecia said, "President Arroyo and the Philippines will have an extra voice, a strategic voice at the highest possible level in Washington because he will be in close contact with President Bush and Secretary Powell." — With Marichu Villanueva