Bush to Make 1st Cabinet Appointment Saturday

U.S. President-elect George W. Bush said Friday that he would make his first Cabinet announcement Saturday and hinted strongly that it would be retired General Colin Powell as secretary of state.

Powell would be the single announcement made Saturday, according to Republican officials close to Bush.

"I think America will be pleased with the choice," Bush told reporters after meeting with a prominent Senate moderate, Democrat John Breaux of Louisiana.

Breaux had been spoken of as a possible Cabinet appointment, but Bush said Breaux told him that he preferred to remain in the Senate, which will be closely divided next year.

Bush claimed the U.S. presidency Wednesday night after a gracious concession by Gore. His victory was sealed Tuesday night by the U.S. Supreme Court which blocked any chance of further ballot recounts in Florida State.

People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/