Washington: US President Barack Obama has
nominated career diplomat James Jeffrey to replace Christopher
Hill as his ambassador to Iraq at a critical juncture in the
seven-year war, the White House said.
Jeffrey serves as the current US ambassador to Turkey, a
NATO ally that has seen its usually warm ties with Washington
frayed over a deadly Israeli raid on an aid ship bound for the
Gaza Strip, its criticism of Israel and its opposition to
US-backed sanctions on Iran.
"I am grateful that these experienced men and women have
agreed to serve in my administration as we work to meet our
nation`s most pressing challenges," Obama yesterday said in a
statement announcing several nominations.
"I look forward to working with them in the coming months
and years."
Before being appointed to his post in Ankara, Jeffrey
served as deputy national security advisor and assistant to
the President at the White House under George W Bush`s
administration, according to his official bio.
His resume also includes several previous stints in
Baghdad and across the Middle East, unlike Hill, best known
for his high-profile post as the Bush administration`s point
man on North Korea`s nuclear program.
PTI
