*EPF109 02/07/00
Text: Albright Names Boucher to Succeed Rubin as State Spokesman
(James Rubin to leave State Department in April) (240)

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright has asked Ambassador Richard Boucher to become the Department Spokesman for the remaining months of the Clinton administration after hearing of Jamie Rubin's plans to leave the State Department in April.

Boucher is currently the Coordinator for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC).

Following is the State Department text:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

February 7, 2000

Statement by Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright

In light of Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs James P. Rubin's plans to leave the State Department in April, I have asked Ambassador Richard Boucher to become the Department Spokesman. Ambassador Boucher, a career Foreign Service Officer with a superb record of government service, is currently our Coordinator for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), and has been U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus and Consul General in Hong Kong. With Ambassador Boucher having served as spokesman under Secretaries Baker, Eagleburger and Christopher, I am confident that his return to the podium will provide a smooth transition in the months ahead.

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