John Kerry to be sworn-in as US secretary of State on Friday

With an unanimous Senate foreign Affairs Committee approval and overwhelming approval by the full Senate, John Kerry will be sworn in as American new secretary of state on Friday, February 1.

His resignation from the Senate will be effective Friday afternoon, and US Supreme Court justice Elena Kagan will swear in Mr. Kerry the same day as Obama administration's 'top diplomat'.

He gave his farewell address at the well of the Senate on Wednesday at one stage being emotional and breaking down with tears in his eyes. He was a US Senator representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 1984, and throughout was a member of the powerful senate foreign affairs committee.

When Joe Biden, the chairman of the committee became Mr. Obama's vice president Mr. Kerry took over the reins.

By an overwhelming vote of 94-3, the Senate has confirmed Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to be the next Secretary of State.

The vote was met with a long round of applause from those in the Senate chamber for the 28-year Senate veteran. He appeared on the floor, greeted by hugs and congratulations from his fellow senators.

Kerry voted “present,” in the vote for his promotion. Kerry will take office in the shadow left by outgoing Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

Mr. Kerry, who ran for president as the Democratic nominee in 2004, will replace Hillary Rodham Clinton, who steps down as America's top diplomat Friday.

In a White House statement, Obama praised Kerry as "a champion of American global leadership."

"John has earned the respect of leaders around the world and the confidence of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, and I am confident he will make an extraordinary secretary of State," Obama said.

Despite White House navigates America's foreign policy Mr. Kerry who has had long experience in the nation's direction in foreign affairs is expected to yield an independent hand to foreign policy decisions and their execution.

- Asian Tribune -