Christopher Hill

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McCain Snarls, But Senate OKs Hill as Iraq Ambassador

(Newser) - The Senate tonight approved Christopher Hill to be the next ambassador to Iraq, overriding the strong objections of John McCain, the Hill reports. McCain argued that Hill doesn't have enough Mideast experience, and he also criticized his work as ambassador to North Korea. Despite the opposition, the Senate approved the...

Kerry Leaps to Defense of Hill as Iraq Ambassador

Republican objections only slow down important work

(Newser) - Anticipating GOP resistance, John Kerry goes to bat for Iraq ambassador nominee Chris Hill,  arguing in a Politico piece that he should be confirmed immediately.  Kerry's committee is considering the veteran diplomat's nomination today. Despite Hill’s lack of Middle East experience, he’s cut out for peacemaking...

US Rep Heads to North Korea With New Nukes Proposal

Verification system at heart of new mission aimed at restarting process

(Newser) - The chief US nuclear negotiator with North Korea will propose a face-saving compromise during a trip tomorrow to the isolated communist nation to try to salvage the derailed disarmament pact, officials said. Envoy Christopher Hill said his goal was to persuade North Korea to agree to a verification system to...

Video Links North Korea to Syrian Reactor

Design similar to North Korean nuke technology

(Newser) - Video showing a nuclear reactor under construction in Syria is expected to be released today by the White House, the New York Times reports. The video, shot before the reactor was obliterated by Israeli air strikes, confirms that Syrians had North Korean technological help. The design is similar to one...

US Reports Some Progress in North Korean Nuke Talks

But envoy says no 'major breakthrough' yet

(Newser) - Six-country negotiations aimed at producing a formal disclosure of North Korea's nuclear activities have advanced, Reuters reports, but aren't close to being settled. "We've definitely made some progress," said US envoy Christopher Hill today. "We still have a lot of work ahead of us. I don't want...

Philharmonic Wows North Korea
Philharmonic Wows North Korea

Philharmonic Wows North Korea

New York orchestra wins ovation after landmark performance

(Newser) - The New York Philharmonic received a huge ovation in Pyongyang tonight after a concert that marked the first thaw in cultural relations between the US and North Korea in 50 years. The performance—which included the countries' national anthems, a Korean folk song, and works by Gershwin, Dvorak, Wagner, and...

New Sexual Assault Charge Shocks Okinawa

After alleged rape, 2nd case threatens US-Japan ties

(Newser) - The American military is investigating a second allegation of sexual assault against a woman on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Reuters reports that a soldier has been taken into custody, accused of sexual assault against a Filipina living on the island. The new allegation comes only a week after a...

NY Philharmonic to Play N. Korea
NY Philharmonic to Play N. Korea

NY Philharmonic to Play N. Korea

Musical diplomacy may help, says ambassador

(Newser) - The New York Philharmonic plans a historic Pyongyang concert in February, giving Kim Jong Il occasion to dig out his fanciest tracksuit—and further defrosting US relations with the onetime axis of evil member. “We haven’t even had Ping-Pong diplomacy with these people,” said ambassador Christopher Hill....

US Envoy Visits North Korean Reactor

Top diplomat makes rare visit to discuss disabling of nukes

(Newser) - A top US official got a rare glimpse of North Korea's nuclear reactor on a visit to ensure the reclusive nation is on track toward disabling its weapons program, the BBC reports. Christopher Hill also met with the North's foreign minister to discuss Pyongyang's timetable on declaring all of its...

N. Korea Agrees to Ban Nukes
N. Korea Agrees to Ban Nukes

N. Korea Agrees to Ban Nukes

Move could lead to friendlier relations with US

(Newser) - North Korea has promised to disable all of its nuclear facilities by the end of this year, the BBC reports, possibly paving the way for warmer relations between the US and a country it now lists as a supporter of terror. After meeting with representatives from the North, US negotiator...

Deal Close on Disarming Nukes
Deal Close
on Disarming Nukes

Deal Close on Disarming Nukes

North Korean talks extended, agreement near, says upbeat Hill

(Newser) - Negotiators were optimistic they're close to forging an agreement as early as tomorrow on a deadline for North Korea to permanently close down its nuclear facilities and reveal details of its nuclear weapons program, Reuters reports. The deadline could be as soon as the end of the year. The North...

US Goes One-on-One With N. Korea
US Goes One-on-One With N. Korea

US Goes One-on-One With N. Korea

Top envoy dispatched to Pyongyang as nuke talks get serious

(Newser) - In a sudden reversal of White House strategy, envoy Christopher Hill has been dispatched to North Korea for direct talks on dismantling the nation's nuclear arsenal, the New York Times reports. The move came just hours after the US released $25 million in frozen North Korean funds that had stalled...

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