WASHINGTON, July 29: Moving quickly to confirm the presidential nomination of top American diplomats to Afghanistan and Pakistan, a key Congressional committee would hold the confirmation hearing next week.
To be chaired by Senator John Kerry, the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 31 would hold the confirmation hearing of Ambassador-designate to Afghanistan James Cunningham and Ambassador-designate to Pakistan Richard Olson.
On Friday, President Barack Obama met Ryan Croker, the outgoing Ambassador to Afghanistan, to receive an update on the situation in the war-torn country and thank him for his superb leadership over the past year.
“Crocker has served at a critical time, and thanks to his work, the United States – together with the Afghan government, and our NATO-ISAF partners – has cemented a long-term partnership with the Afghan people that allows us to responsibly wind down the war as the Afghan Government stands up to take full responsibility for their security and sovereignty,” the White House said.
“Crocker’s tireless and passionate focus on achieving our objective in Afghanistan has kept us safer and more secure, and completes another chapter in an unmatched career of diplomatic service in the most challenging postings. Crocker will depart his role as the US Ambassador to Afghanistan with the President’s, and the nation’s, great thanks and admiration,” the White House statement said.
Olson, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, served as the Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Kabul from June 2011 to June 2012.
He previously served as US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2011 and as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Mission to the NATO in Brussels from 2006 to 2008.
Cunningham is currently the Deputy Ambassador at the US Embassy in Kabul. Prior to his post in Kabul, Cunningham served as the US Ambassador to Israel from 2008 to 2011.
From 2005 to 2008, he was US Consul General in Hong Kong.
His previous assignments include: Ambassador and Deputy US Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1999-2004); Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Rome (1996-1999); Director of the State Department’s Office of European Security and Political Affairs (1993-1995); and Chief of Staff to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General (1989-1990).
Earlier assignments also include posts with the US Mission to NATO, as well as posts at the US Embassies in Rome and Stockholm. (PTI)
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