McKinley confirmed as new US envoy

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The United States Senate on Tuesday confirmed Peter Michael McKinley as next US ambassador to Afghanistan.

Replacing James B. Cunningham, McKinley’s nomination was confirmed by a voice vote by the US Senate Tuesday night, with no opposition.

Afghan Ambassador to Eklil Ahmad Hakimi welcomed the quick confirmation of McKinley. “He is a great diplomat,” he said, adding McKinley had a great understanding of Afghanistan.

A career member of the Foreign Service, McKinley is currently deputy ambassador to Afghanistan, a position he has held since 2013. 

Previously, he served as ambassador to Colombia from 2010 to 2013, Peru from 2007 to 2010 and deputy chief at the US Mission to the European Union from 2004 to 2007.

He has also served as deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration from 2001 to 2004. 

He also served at US Embassies in London, and La Paz, Bolivia, as well as in the Office of the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, the Office of Southern African Affairs, and the Bureau of Intelligence at the Department of State. 

He received a BA from Southampton University and an M. Phil and D.Phil. from the Oxford University.

rm/mud

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