February 6, 2002, AFP, Senate confirms Bush choice for Philippines ambassador,

February 6, 2002, AFP, Senate confirms Bush choice for Philippines ambassador,
Wednesday 2:48 am

WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (AFP) -

The US Senate has confirmed President George W. Bush's nominee for ambassador to the Philippines, after it was chided by the State Department for delaying a deployment seen as crucial to the campaign against terrorism.

The Democrat-controlled Senate voted to confirm Frank Ricciardone to the post late on Monday, officials said.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said last month that it would be helpful to have the new ambassador in place, as US troops pour into the Philippines to train Manila's soldiers battling Muslim rebels reportedly linked to the al-Qaeda network.

US troops will be training Philippines soldiers to combat the Abu Sayyaf group, which is holding two Americans and a Filipina hostage on Basilan island.

But the Philippines government, mindful of domestic political sensitivities, is adamant that the US soldiers will not see direct action.