More follow-up on Douglas Paal's appointment to serve as United States envoy to Taipei.

The Washington Post's In The Loop column took note of the New Republic article on Friday. (See bottom item, "Undone Deal?")

Today the Taipei Times said "Speculation is mounting that the nomination of Douglas Paal to head the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) could be withdrawn, as an article on Paal in a conservative US newsweekly (sic) has once again called his appointment into question."

Early this afternoon State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher was asked about the status of Paal's appointment.

Question: "Question about Taiwan. Can you comment about the possible withdrawal of Douglas Paal's nomination as Washington's envoy to Taipei"

State Dept. Spokesman: "I haven't heard any discussion of that"

Question: "And is it true that his appointment is being held up because of a delayed FBI background check?"

State Dept. Spokesman: "I wouldn't discuss anything like that anyway … don't know."

More soon.