Ambassador Eikenberry Presents Credentials to President Karzai
Retired Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry presented his credentials to President Hamid Karzai on May 12, becoming the new U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. Ambassador Eikenberry replaces Ambassador William Wood, who served in Afghanistan since April 2007.
Ambassador Eikenberry was nominated by President Barack Obama in January 2009 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 3. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Deputy Chairman of NATO's Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium.
Ambassador Eikenberry served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, the first between 2002 and 2003 and the second between 2005 and 2007. During his first tour he worked closely on issues pertaining to building the Afghan security sector, while during his second tour he served as Commander of the Combined Forces Command.
Ambassador Said T. Jawad praised Ambassador Eikenberry, stating,
"Ambassador Eikenberry is the most skilled American for the post in Afghanistan. A hardened fighter and accomplished negotiator, he is well versed in Afghan issues and conflicts."
"They are further strengthening President Obama's very capable foreign policy team in implementing the new U.S. strategy in coordination with their Afghan partners. I look forward to working with both of them," he added.
Ambassador Jawad thanked outgoing Ambassador Wood for his service to Afghanistan. "I am grateful for the commitment and friendship that Ambassador Wood brought to his post. He served Afghanistan and the U.S. admirably," he stated.
