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Sudan Tribune

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U.S. special envoy to Sudan nominated for ambassadorial post in Kenya

February 10, 2011 (WASHINGTON) – The White House announced today that president Barack Obama has formally nominated its special envoy to Sudan to become its ambassador to Kenya.

U.S. presidential special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration (AFP)
U.S. presidential special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration (AFP)
The move confirms reports that surfaced last summer that Gration, appointed in March 2009, will be moved to Kenya though a date was not set for this. Later it was decided that the retired Air Force General would stay until the South Sudan referendum has been concluded.

Last month, Southern Sudan voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from the North and this week results were officially finalized and endorsed.

The smooth and peaceful vote was considered an accomplishment for the U.S. administration and its special envoy who initially came under heavy criticism for the perception that he is too soft on Khartoum.

“We would like to stress that his departure in no way indicates that this administration is walking away from the many challenges we still face in Sudan, particularly in Darfur,” the White House statement said.

Gration will now face the U.S. Senate which has to endorse his appointment before he can assume the post though it is not expected that he will face any major hurdles with lawmakers.

No replacement for Gration has been named but the Obama administration has in recent months added to its team in Sudan, naming veteran diplomat Princeton Lyman to help the north and the south work out key remaining issues including the division of oil profits and Dane Smith, another longtime U.S. envoy, to work on the Darfur issue.

(ST)

2 Comments

  • Anyang
    Anyang

    U.S. special envoy to Sudan nominated for ambassadorial post in Kenya
    Good luck Mr Gration for your new post, by the way, we wish you well and hope you will still play your part if need be.
    Thank.

    Reply
  • DASODIKO
    DASODIKO

    U.S. special envoy to Sudan nominated for ambassadorial post in Kenya
    Go to tell cold blooded Scott the man full of conspiracies to hang on power. I feel very sad for my brothers in Kenya, that they are going to lose a man who addressed the entire hearts of Kenyan with his deed Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. I am sure Gration instead of bringing people of Kenya together will work hard to split them. Go help you my brothers; from the devil incarnated, who is just friend of Obama.

    Reply
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