The Philippines has accepted the nomination of Philip S. Goldberg as the new US ambassador to the country despite his 2008 expulsion from Bolivia for allegedly fomenting civil unrest.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Manila has already granted Goldberg an agrément, or a letter of approval of a diplomatic representative by a state to which he is to be accredited.
In 2008, Goldberg, a seasoned career diplomat, was declared persona non grata for "conspiring against democracy and seeking the division of Bolivia" where he was serving as an envoy.
He was ordered home by Bolivian President Morales after he accused the American of "fomenting the civil unrest that threatens not only the country's first indigenous Indian president, Evo Morales, but the unity of the nation itself," the Daily Telegraph said in a report. The US denied Bolivia's claims, calling them "baseless."
Asked to comment on Goldberg’s background, Del Rosario said: “I don’t want to comment on that. I don’t know the circumstances.”
Despite the Goldberg’s record in Bolivia, Del Rosario said the Philippine government believes “he will be a good ambassador.”
Once his nomination is confirmed by the US Senate, Goldberg will replace Harry Thomas Jr. who ends his three-year tour of duty this year.
Warm relationship
Meanwhile, in Malacañang, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the government expects to retain its "warm" relationship with the US with Goldberg's appointment.
"We have a very good and warm relationship with the US under Ambassador Harry Thomas. We would also expect a warm relationship with the US under the Ambassador designate Goldberg," Lacierda said at a press briefing Thursday.
Lacierda, however, refused to comment on Goldberg's expulsion from Bolivia for allegedly causing unrest there.
Asked if the country should treat Goldberg's deployment here negatively, he said they have yet to discuss it.
"It will be subject to confirmation before the US Senate, so we don’t know yet how soon he will come here," Lacierda said.
Warm relationship
Meanwhile, in Malacañang, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the government expects to retain its "warm" relationship with the US with Goldberg's appointment.
"We have a very good and warm relationship with the US under Ambassador Harry Thomas. We would also expect a warm relationship with the US under the Ambassador designate Goldberg," Lacierda said at a press briefing Thursday.
Lacierda, however, refused to comment on Goldberg's expulsion from Bolivia for allegedly causing unrest there.
Asked if the country should treat Goldberg's deployment here negatively, he said they have yet to discuss it.
"It will be subject to confirmation before the US Senate, so we don’t know yet how soon he will come here," Lacierda said.
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