Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill testified about his nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to Iraq. He had previously served as ambassador to South Korea, Poland, and Macedonia and as special envoy to Kosovo and as head of the U.S. delegation to the Six-Party Talks on the North Korean nuclear issue. In his testimony he characterized Iraq as in a “crucial phase,” emphasizing the need for successful elections, a long-delayed oil law, and improved ties between Baghdad and its neighbors. He said planned U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq posed challenges for maintaining security and that he would place a premium on boosting Iraq’s police and stabilizing government. He also spoke about the threat posed to regional security by Iran.

Some committee members voiced resistance to the nomination due to Mr. Hill’s lack of experience in the Middle East and handling of negotiations with North Korea.