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Hill confirmation hearing set

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor March 24, 2009 02:02 PM

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John F. Kerry announced this afternoon that the panel's hearing on the contentious nomination of Christopher Hill as ambassador to Iraq will be Wednesday morning.

“I have every confidence that Ambassador Hill is the right person to represent the United States in Baghdad,” Kerry said in a statement. By nominating Ambassador Hill to serve in Baghdad, President Obama has chosen one of our very best to help bring lasting peace to Iraq. I look forward to his nomination hearing, and am confident that those of my colleagues who may not yet be familiar with his service to the nation will be as impressed by his skill and dedication as I have been.”

But Republicans, notably GOP presidential nominee John McCain, have blasted the nomination, saying that Hill is not qualified because he lacks experience in the Middle East. Some also criticize Hill's role in negotiating with North Korea on its nuclear program.

"The next ambassador should have experience in the Middle East and in working closely with the U.S. military in counterinsurgency or counterterrorism operations. Mr. Hill has neither,” McCain said in a statement after President Obama announced his selection of Hill.

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