UK replacing suspended Afghan envoy
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Sep 9, IRNA -- Britain is replacing its special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, who was suspended in June after criticising Nato and US policy.
Foreign Secretary William Hague announced Karen Pierce, director for South Asia and Afghanistan, will take over the post, which was created to shadow US special representative Richard Holbrooke.
'Sherard has made an invaluable contribution to UK policy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan. He showed great commitment, dedication and expertise during an important phase in international efforts in the region,” Hague said.
No official reason was given for suspending Cowper-Coles, who was appointed in March last year after being UK ambassador in Kabul for two years, but at the time the Foreign Office said he was 'expected back in the autumn from his 'extended leave'.
The former envoy courted controversy when he clashed with senior Nato and US officials over his insistence that the military-driven counter-insurgency effort was headed for failure, and that talks with the Taliban should be prioritised.
A leaked French diplomatic cable in 2008 also suggested that Cowper-Coles had been sharply critical of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and US policy.
His suspension coincided with US General Stanley McChrystal being replaced as the top commander in Afghanistan by David Petraeus, who subscribed to the view that the Taliban will only talk seriously once they are on the back foot on the battlefield.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 266691
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