Bush appoints new defense secretary

Source: CCTV.com | 11-09-2006 14:02

Also on Wednesday, US President George W. Bush formally announced his new Defense Secretary. It's former CIA director, Robert Gates.

US President George W. Bush says 63 year-old Robert Gates is a man with experience in working with both parties.

Bush said, “He's a man of integrity, candor and sound judgment. He knows that the challenge of protecting our country is larger than any political party. And he has a record of working with leaders on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our national security. He has my confidence and my trust and he will be an outstanding secretary of defence.”

Gate's predecessor Donald Rumsfeld has offered his congratulations.

The new Defense Secretary also expressed his willingness to serve the country.