WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): Daniel Feldman would replace James Dobbins as the Special Representatives for Afghanistan, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday, announcing that the veteran diplomat was leaving the top diplomatic position.
“His (Dobbins) relationship with President Karzai was invaluable, particularly at difficult moments, and he departs at a time when both of Afghanistan’s presidential candidates have been unwavering in their commitment to sign the bilateral security agreement (BSA). I am grateful for his service and look forward to his counsel in the months ahead,” Kerry said in a statement.
The Secretary of State said that “I am equally confident in the public servant we have asked to serve as the next Special Representative, Daniel Feldman. I’ve known Dan since 2003 when he joined my presidential campaign in its earliest days, and my respect for him only deepened during the years I served as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee when Dan often traveled with me to Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
Noting that Dobbins is forever known as the guy who raised the first flag over US Embassy in Kabul, Kerry said he is simply one of the finest foreign service officers of his generation, a man who has dedicated his life to public service and earned respect throughout the region and in Washington.
“He has been at the forefront of our work in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He has played an outsized role on the ground negotiating the BSA, making preparations for historic elections, growing our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan, and planning for a transition for the Afghan people after more than a decade of progress,” Kerry said.
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