2 envoys named to panel holding talks with US

MANILA, Philippines - Two ambassadors were named to the panel negotiating with the US during the fifth round of talks in Washington on the increased rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines.

Sources at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) told The STAR yesterday Secretary Albert del Rosario named to the panel Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur J. Eduardo Malaya and Ambassador to Vienna Lourdes Yparraguirre to assist and give a fresh perspective in the negotiations that began last Jan. 30.

The two replaced Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Carlos Sorreta, sources added.

A senior DFA official, who asked not to be named, told The STAR: “Maybe even before the supposed impasse in the talks there was a need for fresh perspective on the matter, with a view of moving the negotiations forward.”