Christopher Hill confirmed as Iraq ambassador

President Barack Obama’s choice of ambassador to Iraq, veteran diplomat Christopher Hill, was confirmed by the Senate with a 73-23 vote.

One of Hill’s main objectives will be to manage the withdrawal of all US forces from Iraq by the end of 2011.

His leading foe, Republican Senator Sam Brownback, accused Hill of ignoring Pyongyang's human rights abuses and of crafting a deeply flawed agreement on scrapping the Stalinist state's nuclear programs. However, opposition to Hill’s passage dwindled after General David Patraeus voiced his support.

"The real problem in the region for Iraq remains its ancient neighbor, Iran," Hill said, adding: "We believe, and the Iraqis definitely believe, that Iran needs to respect Iraqi sovereignty."