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| Iraq |
| New US ambassador to Iraq arrives in Baghdad |
| 2010-08-19 |
| [Al Arabiya Latest] James Jeffrey, the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday and presented his diplomatic credentials to the conflict-torn nation's head of state, the US embassy said in a statement. Jeffrey, a veteran diplomat with extensive experience of the Middle East, met President Jalal Talabani and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari at ceremonies in Baghdad, it said. "It is a great honor for me to return to Iraq," Jeffrey was quoted as saying. "I look forward to renewing old friendships, strengthening our ties with Iraqi leaders and deepening our civilian engagement for the long term throughout this historic land." On August 5, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Jeffrey's appointment to replace Christopher Hill, in a diplomatic move that coincides with President Barack Obama's pledge to end combat operations in Iraq by the end of the month. Jeffrey's career includes a previous stint in Baghdad, unlike Hill, who was best known for his Jeffrey had most recently served as ambassador to Turkey, a NATO ally that has seen its usually warm ties with Washington frayed over Ankara's tensions with Israel and opposition to US-backed sanctions on Iran. |
| Posted by:Fred |