Remarks at Swearing-in of Thomas C. Krajeski as Ambassador to Yemen

Ambassador Al Hajjri, we are honored to have you here with us today, sir. Just as the United States is honored to have your nation with us in the struggle against global terrorism. Indeed, this is a time of tremendous opportunity and challenge in the relationship between Yemen and America, and President Bush could not have chosen a better person to represent us at such a time than Tom Krajeski.

He is one of the most talented and tested diplomats in our Foreign Service, and our mission in Yemen will benefit from the strength of his regional expertise as well as his cool head and steady hand.

In recent years, the people of Yemen have paid a heavy price as a result of terrorist attacks on their territory, both directly, in lives lost, and indirectly, in political and economic costs.

And so it stands to reason that following the heinous attacks on the USS Cole in 2000 and in the United States in 2001 Yemen became an important partner with us in the war on terror. Indeed, today, counterterrorism is the cornerstone of U.S.-Yemeni relations. President Bush believes, however – as do Secretary Powell and I – that political reform and economic freedom, particularly for the nations of the Middle East, are ultimately the keys to winning the war on terrorism.

In that regard, Yemen has the potential to be a role model for the region: Yemeni citizens already enjoy universal suffrage, women are elected to parliament, and recent parliamentary elections were deemed "free and fair" by the international community -- a standard the country will be challenged to uphold with Presidential elections in 2006.

Yemen is also seeking to join the World Trade Organization, and has recently signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States. Indeed, President Saleh has signaled that he means to continue these trends by attending the G-8 Summit in Sea Island last month and by participating in President Bush’s Middle East Partnership Initiative.

Today, Yemen and the United States enjoy strong relations based on mutual values and shared commitments. But we also have some work yet to do in strengthening the security, political, and economic links between us, as well as the basic human connections between our people.

Tom is just the person to deliver that progress. Although he started his career armed with an advanced degree in Russian literature and language, it is Arabic he speaks today. Indeed, he has spent much of his 25-year career in the Middle East, and he will bring to this new post tremendous expertise. Tom’s most recent position as Director for Northern Gulf Affairs, which included a 3-month stint in Baghdad as a top advisor to Ambassador Jerry Bremer, has given him a keen understanding of regional sensitivities and security challenges. He also has considerable political savvy honed during his service in Egypt, when he participated in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. And he has a background in both political-military and commercial affairs gained, in part, through his service as Consul General in Dubai.

But perhaps one of his most important qualifications for this job is that in every post, Tom has always demonstrated great poise and an infectious confidence even in times of crisis, from his days as a consular officer in Nepal, India, and Poland to his service in Iraq. I believe one secret of Tom’s success in the Foreign Service is his strong family ties. His wife of 29 years has accompanied him to all his posts, often taking a local teaching position. Until now, that is. This time, she will be staying behind in Virginia with their son, who is just starting his senior year in high school. 

[To Mrs. Krajeski] Thank you for your own service, for the support you have always offered your husband and for the sacrifice you and your family are making in order for Tom to take this important post at this critical time for our country. Of course, I think we both know that you will always be able to bring him home if you really need him by uttering one single, compelling word, and that is: "Golf." Yes, it’s true, Yemen is a country endowed with ancient treasures and a rich cultural heritage.  But it is not a country blessed with putting greens. Did I say that Tom was unflappable, an oasis of calm in the very worst sandstorm? Well, that’s not entirely true. Golf may be a small obsession for him, but his true passion--second only to [his wife], of course--is the Boston Red Sox.  And [Mrs. Krajeski], you know better than I do that I’m just being polite to you because you’re in the room. In fact, this is something of a family affliction. I suspect that nearly every person standing up here next to this podium in some private corner of their minds is right now rooting for the Red Sox with an unshakeable faith that they will win the World Series this year. We wish you all the best of luck.

Indeed, I am glad to see so many friends and family members here today. I believe these ceremonies are made special by the presence of our loved ones, all those who have supported us along the way. But sometimes, these ceremonies are also made poignant by their absence. Tom’s father and mother, Chester and Helen Krajeski, passed away. And his brother Stephen was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970. But inspiration and affection can endure, even beyond the grave, and so today, Tom is dedicating his service to the memory of his parents and his brother. Indeed, I am about to swear him in with a Polish prayerbook that once belonged to his father. In turn, I believe we can see the pride they would have felt in him reflected in the faces of his children, who are here with us today.

Tom, everyone in this room is proud to see you reach this pinnacle of your career. And there is no question that you are ready for this mission. You certainly have the regional expertise and policy experience necessary in an Ambassador, but that’s almost a given--we expect that in anyone at your level of accomplishment. What the Secretary and I will really be watching you for is how you take care of your people. Every person who serves with you should be able to say that he or she is better off personally and professionally for the experience. With your track record of caring leadership, I am confident that will be the case.