U.S. ambassador to Vietnam to quit
HANOI - U.S. Ambassador Douglas ``Pete'' Peterson announced Wednesday that
he will resign from his post July 15 and return to Florida, a move some say indicates he may run for
governor.
America's first postwar ambassador to Vietnam said he had submitted his resignation to President
George W. Bush on Tuesday.
``It has been an honor to serve two presidents in building a new relationship between the United States
and Vietnam,'' he said.
The announcement fuels speculation that Peterson is considering a run for governor in Florida, a post
currently held by President Bush's brother, Republican Jeb Bush. Former Attorney General Janet
Reno, a Democrat, said last week she is also considering running.
Florida Democratic leaders earlier had approached Peterson about entering the race.
``He told me a couple months ago he was going to make a decision by the end of May. I believe he
has every intention of running,'' said Florida Democratic Party Chairman Bob Poe.
Peterson, a Democrat who served three terms in the U.S. Congress before being appointed to
Vietnam, has not commented publicly on his political future. His short statement did not mention his
future plans.
Peterson, a former U.S. Air Force pilot held prisoner for 6 1/2 years during the Vietnam War, was
appointed in 1997 by then-President Clinton. Diplomatic ties had been formally established in 1995.
He has played a major role in forging a trade agreement that would require Vietnam to introduce an
unprecedented level of competition and financial openness in exchange for greater access to U.S.
markets.
``I believe that we have come a very long way in my four years here, starting with our continuing
partnership to determine the fate of Americans missing in action in Southeast Asia and culminating with
the signing of the historic bilateral trade agreement last July,'' Peterson said.
The Bush administration has not yet submitted the trade pact to the U.S. Congress for approval. In his
statement, Peterson said he is hopeful it will be ratified before he leaves, ``which will cap the full
normalization of U.S.-Vietnam relations.''
The trade deal, negotiated for more than four years, is expected to greatly increase two-way trade. It
requires that Vietnamese trade barriers be lowered, that state industries compete with foreign
companies, and copyright and investment guarantees be raised to international levels.
The American business community in Vietnam praised Peterson's leadership in forging bonds of trust
between Hanoi and Washington.
``U.S.-Vietnam relations are at a point nobody could imagine five years ago,'' said Peter Ryder, head
of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi.
``The credibility he brought as a POW, the kind of energy and commitment he made is remarkable. He
has really come to signify reconciliation between the two countries.''
The Associated Press - May 23, 2001.
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