Nomination of Richard L. Armitage To Be an Assistant Secretary of State

The President today announced his intention to nominate Richard L. Armitage to be an Assistant Secretary of State (East Asian and Pacific Affairs). He would succeed Gaston Joseph Sigur, Jr.

Since 1983 Mr. Armitage has been Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in Washington, DC. Prior to this he was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, 1981 - 1983. In 1979 he established a Washington-based consulting firm specializing in Asian affairs. He also served as administrative assistant to Senator Robert Dole, 1978 - 1979.

Mr. Armitage graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1973. He is married, has seven children, and resides in Vienna, VA.