Obama Nominates McFaul For Ambassador To Russia

Michael McFaul

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Barack Obama has nominated his chief Russia adviser, Michael McFaul, for the post of United States ambassador to Moscow.

The official nomination was sent to Senate lawmakers on September 14.
McFaul, 47, is considered the leading architect of the administration's "reset" strategy in relations with Russia, which has facilitated the new START treaty on nuclear nonproliferation, as well as cooperation on Iran sanctions and the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.
McFaul's nomination must be confirmed by the Senate before he replaces current ambassador John Beyrle, who was appointed by President George W. Bush.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksander Lukashevich said that McFaul would be welcomed in Moscow.