In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesman said:
"Although disappointed, Minister George Yeo said he understood the reasons for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's inability to take part in the AMM/ARF in Vientiane later this month.
Minister Yeo said he was delighted that Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, who knew the region well, would be representing her."
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
4 JULY 2005