Obama Nominee for Marshall Islands Ambassador Appears before Senate Hearing
The nominee for the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Marshall Islands appeared before a Senate Foreign Affairs hearing on Thursday morning.
Martha Larzelere Campbell, of Michigan, is a career member of the Department of State's Foreign Service for 29 years. Campbell said, if confirmed, she would work to ensure the interests of the United States prevail while working in concert with the express interests of the Marshallese government. "I believe the coordination between Executive and Legislative Branches will be important," said Campbell.
In her prepared statement, Campbell recognized the friendship with the Marshall Islands, noting the RMI's support of U.S. in voting record and other international issues. The RMI has citizens serving bravely with U.S. Armed Forces, she said.
Campbell is no stranger to the Marshall Islands. In 1987, after the United States signed the Compact of Free Association, she was assigned to open-up the first Office of the U.S. Representative in Majuro in the Marshall Islands.
She has further served in U.S. Embassies in The Hague, Stockholm, Budapest, Majuro and Paramaribo, Suriname.
Currently, she serves as the Dean of the School of Professional and Area Studies at the Foreign Service Institute, training State Department and interagency employees in support of foreign policy priorities around the world.
Sen. Jim Webb, (D-Virginia), who presided over the hearing, said the Committee would work to see the nominations reviewed on Thursday approved before the August recess.
The previous Ambassador to the RMI was Clyde Bishop, who assumed duties at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro on December 5, 2006. Ambassador Bishop announced his retirement from the Foreign Service, in March 2009, which was effective April 30.
- Yokwe Online, July 23, 2009
