The US Ambassador Heather M. Hodges completed her mission to the Republic of Moldova, ending a tour of over two and a half years, and departed the country on Friday, May 19. Her next assignment will be in Washington, D.C. at the Department of State. Deputy Chief of Mission John H. Winant has assumed duties as Chargé d’Affaires. As Mr. Winant will also be completing his mission in Moldova soon, former U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Rudolf V. Perina will come to Chisinau in June to assume temporary duties as Chargé d’Affaires. Ambassador Perina, who recently retired from the Foreign Service, will head the mission until the arrival of the new U.S. Ambassador. President George W. Bush has nominated Michael D. Kirby to be the next Ambassador to Moldova, subject to confirmation by the U. S. Senate. Mr. Kirby is currently serving as Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea.