Washington, Jan 22: New Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton on Thursday asserted that diplomacy and development would be
the two key `Smart Power` tools of the Obama Administration to
achieve the long-term objectives of the United States.
"As we go forward diplomacy and development are essential
tools in achieving the long-term objectives of the United
States," Clinton said in her welcome address to the officials
of the State Department at its headquarters in Foggy Bottom.
"And I will do all that I can, working with you, to make
it abundantly clear that robust diplomacy and effective
development are the best long-term tools for securing
America`s future," Clinton said, and dubbed it as `Smart
Power`, reiterating the same catch phrase she had used during
her Senate confirmation hearing.
"There are three legs to the stool of American foreign
policy: defence, diplomacy, and development. We are
responsible for two (diplomacy and development) of the three
legs," she said.
Observing that it is going to be challenging times for
the State Department under the circumstance in which the Obama
Administration has come to power, the Secretary of State said
meeting these challenges would require "21st century" tools
and solutions.
The 61-year-old was confirmed by the Senate by an
overwhelming majority of 94 votes to two, despite concerns
raised by some about the transparency of the Clinton
Foundation, headed by her husband and former President Bill
Clinton, as it receives funds from foreign donors.
Clinton had testified before the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee on January 13 and on January 15 her nomination was
approved by the committee by 16 votes to one.
Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William J
Burns welcomed Clinton at the State Department on behalf of
all the staff. "It is truly a great honour to introduce the
67th secretary of state of the United States of America,
Hillary Clinton," he said.
Bureau Report
