Brussels, 08/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - The recently appointed US ambassador to the EU, William E. Kennard, presented his credentials to the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, on 6 January (after presenting them to the president of the EU Council in December). Mr Kennard takes over from Kristen Silverberg, who had represented the United States since 2008. “I am proud to represent the United States and President Barack Obama as Ambassador to the European Union. This is an exceptional time in the history of the United States, offering new opportunities for us to work closely and intensively with the European Union”, said the new ambassador, adding that both sides have a “special responsibility to work together to advance the security and prosperity of our peoples and of the world”. William Kennard was formerly managing director for The Carlyle Group, a major global private equity firm. (H.B./transl.jl)