Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot has called on the United States to appoint a new ambassador to the Netherlands as soon as possible. Bot called on US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, not to let decision-making regarding the appointment drag on, according to reports in Dutch newspapers NOS and the Telegraaf.The man the US has nominated for the role, Roland Arnall, is under a cloud following accusations levelled at the company he founded, Ameriquest. Arnall is a major shareholder in the company. Ameriquest, the biggest sub-prime lending company in the US, has been accused of unfair practices when it comes to lending to borrowers with weak credit, according to the LA Times. Ameriquest has put aside USD 325 million to settle the case with claimants, but so far no agreement has been reached. Some US senators have called on the nomination to be postponed until such an agreement is made.
Bot said he understood the home situation but that since the Netherlands and the United States work closely together in so many areas, it is important to have an ambassador present in the Netherlands.
| This post not really related to the WoT other than that it shows the attention and engagement of the US is still important in the global community. Holland has been a good ally to the US in Afghanistan/Iraq, and even sent a bunch of supplies and levee engineers to New Orleans last year. I certainly hope the Ambassador's post is filled quickly and honorably. |