My experiences have also taught me that, in the age of satellites, electronic mail and the Internet, diplomacy and diplomats still can and do make a difference. If confirmed I will make every effort to make a difference every day I am in Oman. We in the Foreign Service believe that the most important aspect of our careers is service. Service to protect U.S. citizens working and visiting abroad and service to protect our national interests. I intend to work closely with you in the Congress to assure that our interests are well defined and that we do all we can to protect those interests.
Oman is a country where our interests are extremely important.
From the rescue of American hostages in Iran through every major and minor crisis in the strategic gulf area, Oman has played a major role in our strategic planning. Oman is making a transition from a traditional tribal society to a modern, productive state. Real political and economic progress has been made. If confirmed, I hope that my tenure in Oman will see a continuation of this close friendship and continued political and economic progress. If you give me this opportunity to serve I pledge to apply all those principles I have learned over my career and above all, I promise never forget that this country stands for freedom and equality of all persons and that it is our moral duty, whatever the adversity, to protect those principles.