Iraqi FM receives credentials of new US ambassador

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Sunday received credentials of the newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Robert Stephen Beecroft, a ministry statement said. During a ceremony, Zebari confirmed the readiness of the government of Iraq and his ministry "to provide the required support and assistance to the work of the (U.S.) embassy in the country in order to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries and their peoples," the statement said. On July 14, 2011, Beecroft joined the U.S. embassy in Baghdad as deputy chief of the U.S. diplomatic mission. He became Charge d 'Affaires upon the departure of Ambassador James Jeffrey on June 1, 2012. Prior to his assignment to Iraq, Beecroft served as ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from August 2008 to June 2011. On Sept. 11, 2012, U.S. President Barack Obama nominated Beecroft to the U.S. Senate to succeed Jeffrey as the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq. Beecroft will also present his credentials to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.