Sherman named Clinton's new N.K. policy coordinator

Wendy Sherman, North Korea policy counselor at the U.S. Department of State was appointed as the North Korea policy coordinator, succeeding William Perry on Monday.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher announced that outgoing Perry contributed to building the frame of North Korea policy with his outstanding leadership and devoted efforts. Perry will give advice on North Korea policy, if necessary, in the days to come, the spokesman said.

Sherman, who has worked closely with Perry since his appointment as coordinator in November 1998, has been responsible for daily orchestration of North Korea policy at the working level, visiting Pyongyang accompanying Perry in May.

Many of the Korean government's unification and diplomatic policy makers evaluate Sherman as a ¡°very smart and brave woman,¡± recognizing her ability.

Sherman graduated from Boston University with honors and obtained her master's degree at the University of Maryland. She served as undersecretary in charge of Congressional affairs at the State Department from 1993 to 1995.

She has dealt with important pending international issues such as the Middle East and Kosovo problems besides the Korean Peninsula question since 1998.