US Senate Panel Approves New Ambassador To Kabul

AVA- In his recent speech to the Senate John Bass said his top priority would be to improve ties between the Afghan and Pakistani governments.
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The Foreign Relations Committee for the United States’ Senate has approved the nomination of John Bass, a veteran diplomat, to serve as President Donald Trump's ambassador to Afghanistan.

The panel recommended by voice vote on Tuesday that the Senate consider the selection of John Bass for the post, AP reported.

Bass has until now been serving as the US ambassador to Turkey.

His State Department biography says he served as the State Department's executive secretary from 2012 to 2014 and ambassador to Georgia from 2009 to 2012.

According to AP Bass began his diplomatic career in 1988. He's also served in positions in US missions in Iraq, Italy, Belgium and Chad.

In an address to the US Senate on September 12, John Bass said he will try to improve Kabul-Islamabad ties.

He said his top priority will be to improve ties between the Afghan and Pakistani governments if he was given a vote of confidence.

“If confirmed, I will focus on achieving the results we all seek in Afghanistan. A political settlement and sufficient government capacity to prevent its use a new as a platform from which terrorists can strike the homeland,” he said.

However, the newly nominated US ambassador had a message for the Taliban during his speech.

“We have to make clear to the Taliban that they can’t outlast us on the battlefield and that the only path forward for them is through negotiated political settlement,” he said.