last five u.s. ambassadors to iraq. as with ambassador john neg gra possibility any july 2004. nearly eight years later i was with ambassador jim jeffrey as he led the challenges transition from military to civilian lead for the first time since the toppling the saddam hussein. also rode along side military commanders, including generals petraitis, ode eros and austin. this is only because of the leadership of these individuals, the more than 1 million american whose served there including nearly 4,500 hoon paid the ultimate price. like too many americans i have lost friends in iraq. if confirmed, i will do everything in my power, using all the tools of our foreign poems to build a lasting partnership with iraq worthy of their memory and sacrifice. i believe such a partnership is possible and, however, we are

not there. there is so much the u.s. must do to mitigate risks of back-sliding and increased risks for consolidating the risks we've seen since the worst periods of the war. iraq is slowly emerging from decades of war isolation and dictatorship. more recently faced now with american help a sebitarian war that left fens s tens of thos daend millions displaced. reducing citizens to the basic and sectarian deidentitieidenti. this is felt acutely in the political process. for the first time in iraq's modern history politics is the primary engagement among iraq's different sexes and ethnicities. that's the good news. the bad news, vast differences threaten to overwomen the framework established under the iraqi constitution. i am deeply concerned about this situation. iraq's constitution and visions are united federal democratic and pluralistic state in which

all citizen ens joy fair representation and local and national institutions. this vision, however, remains an aspiration. fear, mistrust and score settling still dominate political discourse. as result, iraqis have sought to supplement the constitutional design with additional political agreements and accommodations. i've often been one of the few americans in the room when such ay agreement were being developedif confirmed i led eed to work with leaders, durable compromise and constitutional arrangements that help guarantee meaningful power sharing and partnership. these efforts would be guided by the 2008 strategic framework agreement now a cornerstone of u.s. policy in iraq. testimony is unique and structure as long-term partnership across the fields of defense, energy, economics, diplomacy, education and justice. with respect to the political process, it calls on the u.s. to help strengthen iraq's democracy and its democratic institutions as established in the iraqi

constituti constitution. if confirmed my submission clear. to establish and enduring partnership with a united, federal and democratic iraq under the sfa. as one of the lead negotiators of the sfa i would be honored to carry out that charge together with iraqi leaders and close colleagues from across the u.s. government many of them i've worked with over a number of years. going forward if confirmed i will seek to organize the mission around four mutually reinforcing lines of operation. defense and security. political and diplomatic. energy and economics. rule of law and human rights. in the defense and security area, if confirmed, i look forward to working with our office of security cooperation and centcom to ensure we're doing everything possible to deepen our military defense partnership in iraq. in the diplomatic area if confirmed, i look forward to working with our ambassadors and regional capitals, most of whom i have worked with and admired for many years to ensure close coordination of u.s. policies in iraq and throughout the region. in the political area, iraq is

scheduled to hold elections, provincial elections in 2013, national elections in 2014. if confirmed it will be a central focus of our mission to work in coordination with the u.n. to ensure that these elections are held freely, fairly and on time. energy and economics, four most priorities. if confirmed, it will be among my highest priorities to connect u.s. businesses with emerging opportunities in iraq, and to refocus iraq on the urgent necessity of diversifying their economy and grappling with national hydrocarbons legislation. as a ch the u.s. purchase sewers its interests in iraq we must not lose sight of values, rights of women and vulnerable minorities. this is an ambitious say agenda. if confirmed i pledge to work with the congress to establish a diplomatic presence in iraq that is secure, strategic, effective and sustainable. a focus u.s. mission with

prioritized lines of operation organized around the sfa can enhance our influence and ensure the agility we need a constantly changing and dynamic environment. precious taxpayer resources are applied effectively with an eye towards long-term stainability. i've tried to touch upon a number of issue ice will soon confront if confirmed to u.s. ambassador to iraq. for me, there's no more important mission in the world. i've served across two administration over eight years developing policy in washington or executing u.s. policy in iraq. i was with president bush when we planned to serve 30,000 u.s. troops, a new strategy. i was with general petraeus and ambassador ryan crocker when we worked to implement that strategy against tremendous odds. i later hrped manage the transition of iraq policy to the obama administration under two binding international agreements. over the past two years, i've

answered repeated calls to return to iraq in public service at times of crisis. my eyes are wide open to the risks and challenges ahead. but i close from where i started. for every challenge there's also opportunity and obligation. to honor those lost in this war, or forever change, we must do everything in our power to build a partnership with iraq and its people that can endure and advance u.s. interests in its most vital region. it confirmed that is what i will seek to do. thank you, and i look forward to answering your questions. >> thank you, mr. mcguirk. ms. elliott? >> thank you, mr. chairman. ranking member rusch and senator lugar, as the chairman pointed out i have strong ties to the state of pennsylvania having been born there and my son is a student the at the university of pennsylvania but i also have strong ties to indiana having been an graduate of indiana university and live in muncie, indiana. so it's an honor for me to be here in front of you today.

i don't have any to idaho. yes, i do, and i love them. i'm very honored to be president obama's nominee to become the u.s. ambassador to the republic of tajikistan. grateful for the trust and confidence that the president and secretary of state clin hto have placed in me. if confirmed i will work closely with you, the committee and entire congress to advance america's goals and interests in as it jeek st tajikistan. i would like to thank my wonderful friends, colleagues and family who supported me over my years in the state department. since recognizing tajikistan's independence and establishes diplomatic relations 20 years ago the united states is a are the positived their sovereignty and ken urged its development as more prosperous ander toant soert. shortly after its independents, tajikistan was in the midst of a civil war. today the people of tajikistan enjoy peace and stability.

as deputy april assistant secretary of state for central asia over the last two years aoften travel to tram jeek staj developed an understands to u.s. policy interests. tajikistan share as long border with afghanistan. although the ter vain mountarai mountainous, tajikistan plays an important role in the northern network brings vital supplies to u.s. and coalition forces in afghanistan. tajikistan also provides vital air transit routes for u.s. and coalition cargo and military personnel. the government of tajikistan recently co-hosted with the government of afghanistan a successful regional economic cooperation conference on afghanistan. the conference achieved consensus on a concrete set of achieve about the processes and informed initiatives providing new opportunities for private investment in the region.

if confirmed, i will encourage tajikistan to maintain and expand where possible this important support. nar kaushgs traffnarcotics plag neighborhood. over the years u.s. cooperation has grown in addressing this and other transnational challenges through engagement, assistance and training. currently we are working with the government of tajikistan to develop cooperation with a goal of targeting organized the traffickers bringing them to justice and reducing the flow of narcotics through tajikistan. if confirmed i will work to further our partnership and combat the flow of narcotics and other goods. it's also the poorest country in central asia. the people ghoft are working to improve their economy and inspire to become members of the world trade organization. if confirmed i will work with tajikistan to develop its agricultural sector and to

improve the regulatory environment for foreign investment and trade. if confirmed, i will also continue encouraging tajikistan to take steps necessary to attract u.s. companies to help develop and diversify its economy with american goods, expertise and services. secretary clinton visited tajikistan in october of 2011. during her visit she met with the skins of tajikistan from all steck trums of society. from human rights activists to human rights leaders to members of the media. stressing the importance for government and leaders to provide space for citizens to have a voice in the government, pursuing aspirations and promote ideals and emphasized the belief that an open democratic tolerant society provides a firm foundation for a stable, secure and prosperous nation. if confirmed, i will work with the tajik government to take concrete steps towards continuing the development of this kind of society. if confirmed, i will also engage

the government and people of tajikistan to increase not only our bilateral security and economic engagement, also continue our dialogue on human rights, civil society issues, such as allowing freedom of the press and freedom of religion or belief. i know that success in all aspects of our engagement depends on my taking a leadership role in encouraging and supporting a strong, dedicated embassy staff that coordinates closely with the administration, members of congress and if confirmed, i look forward to continuing this active dialogue with you as we seek to advance america's interests with the government and people of tajikistan. thank you, and i look forward to your questions. >> thank you, ms. elliott. mr. i get to my questions, we're joined by two ranking members. ranking member of our foreign relations committee, senator lugar, and the ranking member of our subcommittee, senator risch and i think senator lasch a

stateme stateme ri ritsch has a statement. >> just go ahead. >> okay. we'll do as many rounds as we can. probably it looks like five-minute rounds. i wanted to ask you about leadership, which is a, of s central concern in any confirmation process but maybe especially so for the position that you've been nominated for. there will be those who say and i want to have you respond to this that you have based upon your record broad experience in iraq. early -- several time periods within which you've served and you've been called back for service add i indicated under two administrations. but they will also sap that you haven't had the leadership position that would lend several to the kind of experience that would prepare you for such a

substantial assignment, and i want you to answer that question, because i think it's an important one in terms of demonstrating in this confirmation process your ability to lead, not just an embassy but an embassy and a mission of this size and consequence. >> thank you, senator. thank you for allowing me to address that, and i'd like to do it in really three ways. first, leadership of the embassy starts at home at the embassy. as you noted in your opening statements, i've served with all five of our prior ambassadors to iraq and seen every permutation of the em fwrabassy from the beginning to where it is today. throughout that process i have learn and seen and been involved in what it takes to lead in iraq. tuned lead in iraq you need a, really a fingertip understanding of the operational tempo in iraq of what it's like day to day of

knowing when something is a crisis, when it's not. managing morale and keeping people focused on the goals. it also takes a team. and if i'm fortunate enough to be confirm i'd would be inheriting a team of extraordinary talent and the depth at the embassy. i've been fortunate to have worked with every member of the country team in iraq. one of whom happens to be sitting to my left, ambassador sisson. that team incorporates individuals from across the u.s. government. the whole government approach from commerce to transportation, state, intelligence community. i've been fortunate also, gratified, one of the key members of that team have volunteered to stay on another year, and if i'm confirmed would serve with me. as ambassador, the buck would stop with me as i think i said in the opening statement, i have a clear vision in coordination with the president and secretary where we need to take this mission, but i would be working with a very strong team.

ambassador steve beecroft, worked with him a number of years. i think we'd make a unique leadership team in the front officer. the regional security officer mark hunter extraordinary job. he would be staying on. worked with him a number of years. would be my honor to lead them. leadership also in this context i have to look at interagency experience. leading a whole of government approach. as a senior director for president bush in the nsc, particularly during one of the most intense periods of the war from the time of planning inmenting the surge through the end of his administration, at pint to implement the surge. throughout that process i developed extremely strong relationships across the entire u.s. government. i was involved in setting goals, such as negotiating strategic framework agreement that started in march of 2007. organizing u.s. government getting the right team in place, the right people in place, the right inputs in place and having an operational plan in leading it through to fruition.

weren't of many examples of my experience. finally, one of the most important criteriocriterion, th relationship with the iraqis. i've been calmed back into public service to come back to iraq over the past years is due to my unique relationships with the iraqis. i worked with these individuals since i first got to iraq in january 2004. i was involved in those early days in the negotiation of iraq's interim constitution calmed the transitional administration law and deals with the same laws and individuals we're dealing with now. i have deep and strong relationships across the board in the iraqi government and just talking to ambassador jim jeffrey who just returned from iraq and talking about the leadership question. a lot of it is politics and personal. one of the key jobs for the ambassador be, making sure the iraqis were working in a seamless way to run an effective mission requiring daily interaction with the highest leveling of the iraq if government.

something i've done in iraq for a number of years. >> thank you very much. i'm almost out of time on this round, but madam ambassador, i'll come back to you in a couple of minutes to ask especially about sri lankas what i would assert as a lack of progress after the llcr. the work that was done. i'll pick up with that. senator risch? >> thank you, mr. chairman. first let me say that mr. mcguirk, i don't think -- yi don't think anyone can question your knowledge and understanding of what's happening in iraq. you've had an incredible amount of experience there. in fact, i would be hard-pressed i think to find someone who won have a resume like would you as far as dealing with that is concerned. having said that, iraq, of course, is in a volatile postconflict situation, and it's one in probably arguably the most unstable region in the world. it's the largest embassy we have

anywhere in the world. last year the united states spent about $6.5 billion there and this year about $4 billion there. very substantial amounts. more than my state when i was governor as an entire annual budget. also given the lack of representation that we don't have today in both tehran and damascus, the ambassador in baghdad's going to be responsible for and have the responsibility for the, a much larger regional context. and the ability to navigate all of these issues with the right balance and the right leadership and the right management will certainly be critical to the success of our ambassador there. and, again, recognizing the experience that you've had in iraq, i appreciate that. i will have to say, you're going to be challenged, i think, in as much ars the size and the complexity of this operation confronts you.

nerve are having been and ambassador before, and i wish well in that and certainly the administration recognized your understanding and abilities to pick you for the ambassador there, but as ambassador, obviously, your responsibilities will be substantially larger and more, much broader than what you've done there before. so i wish you well. ms. elliott, i want to talk briefly about tajikistan and one of the things you did not mention is relationship tajikistan has with iran and i think that's a concern to all of us. particularly when it comes to the purchase of crude oil from iran. what are your thoughts on that regard? >> thank you, mr. senator. that's actually a very important question. the people of tajikistan have close cultural ties with the people of iran, and, of course,s, they're in the same neighborhood. i will say in terms of sanctions that we have been working very closely with the government of

tajikistan on the recent iran sanctions act. we have discussed with them at highact. we have discussed with them at high levels. we've had an inter-agency report. we feel that from our discussions that they are very supportive and will be in compliance with the sanctions, and we look forward to continuing that discussion with them. >> they're not in compliance with the sanctions. did they give you a time frame as to when they would comply with the sanctions? >> we've been talking and, and they're working on through the banking structure. working on improving those. so we look for, and that will be a priority of mine to work with them to make sure they stay and become in compliance with them. >> have they given you that timetable?

>> i have not received a timetable. >> have you requested a timetable of them? >> i believe that we have. but i can get back to you on the specifics of the timetable. >> thank you, mr. chairman. at the time that our country decided to build that embassy in baghdad, there was considerable discussion in this committee as well as in our government as a whole about the size and the scope of that embassy. the very fact that it was an inskir investigation, which you can testify from your experience there. and this thoughts that we had ambitions that perhaps that embassy might be a fulcrum for activities really throughout the area. almost headquarters for the

united states ambitions for democracy and human rights and so forth throughout the middle east. we still have that embassy. it's still huge and has been suggested in addition to the diplomatic employees of the united states, maybe as many as 16,000 people are affiliated with it. in a situation that does not have the security of our troops being on the ground there and the numbers they were. i'm wondering about your reflections having served in all the capacities through the five ambassadors and so forth. just physically. how do you plan to administer this building quite apart from the people. and this is sort of a several chapter answer i appreciate. but have you given thought really to a specifically given

predicaments, like wise, not diminished ambitions on our part. but nevertheless, more hostility on the part of the iraqis to our participation. how do you plan to manage this? >> senator. thank you very much. i participated in almost every internal conversation in the agency and in baghdad about how not only to plan the transition, but also how to get the size down. quite frankly, our presence in iraq right now is too large. there's no proportionalty also between our size and our influence. in fact, we spent a lot of diplomatic capital to sustain our presence. they cut the presence by 20% next fall. keep in mind, the reason we're

so big now is that the transition was planned, it was all contingency planning. the department wasn't quite sure what we would face in the early months of this year. so t and so we plan for every possible contingency. where we are now, i think we need to really focus. are we secure? are we safe? we're institutionaling. if i'm confirmed, i will put everything to that test. in terms of the manage the day-to-day management of the embassy. i've been involved. we need to go discuss something with the iraqi national security advis

adviser, and i'm often doing that shuttling. as i mentioned in my earlier answer, i have a very strong team in iraq. i've worked with him for a number of years. we would sit next to each other. offices would be next to each other. the buck would stop with me for every single decision. i think we would make a very strong team. i cannot discount the challenges i had. >> i appreciate that answer very much and the very specifics of each and every program. and the expense of this is enormous. and all of these impact on the whole state department budget as you know. i appreciate that managerial idea. let me ask. how are you going to advise the prime minister maliki under the current circumstance in which he's not getting along well with the opposition, to say the least, and the kurds are lifting

off by themselves. >> thank you, sir. it's a critically important point. i have worked with the prime minister maliki for a number of years and all the iraqi leaders. i've worked with him in his capacity as the prime minister. i said in the written same. i try to focus on dealing with the iraqis in an constitutional way. dealing with maliki as a prime minister now. if there was a new prime minister tomorrow, i would have the same close working relationship with him. i've worked with four speakers of the parliament. we need to focus on the institutions. when in iraq and dealing with all sides, there are different narratives to the political process. the government put in place in 2010 took eight months to put in place. it represents 89% of the council of representatives who are represented in the cabinet. that naturally leads to a lot of inefficiency, a lot of rivalry,

a lot of intrigue. and that's certainly going on now. maliki will say that his opposition figure who is are in his cabinet won't share responsibility for governing. the opposition figures say maliki is consolidating power. they're all right. and we need to work with all of them to live up to the prior agreements and to work within the constitutional system to change the process. you mentioned t ee eed the kurd. i would like to be up the there, if i'm confirmed, at least once a week. it's the personal interaction between the iraqi leader and u.s. ambassador so important to keeping everything stable and bridging the gaps. the kurds are having some difficulties with the baghdad government right now. the baghdad government is having difficulty with the kurds. the real rivalry is between with the prime minister. we have to play an important

role in mediating that effort. i would just leave it as there's a constitutional system in place now. this is the third iraqi government. this is the second parliament. the iraqis are going to fight through their politics under the constitutional rules that they themselves have devised. we cannot direct outcomes through the process. we can help build bridges. we can be constantly engaged. that's what i intend to do if i'm confirmed. >> thank you for thoughtful and comprehensive answers. i appreciate it. >> thank you, senator. >> thank you, chairman casey and ranking members that are here. good to see you. and thank you for the panel being here and very much appreciate all of your service to our country. in april of 2012, special

general found in his report there was a record low amount of casualties for the month of march, and a drop in violence overall in the last few months. and specifically reported that 112 iraqis died as a result of violent attacks in the month of march. the lowest toll since the united states evaded in 2003. based on such improvements, do you think that the iraqi government is on the right track to secure its government? and how has the fact that iraq is accountable for its own security change the security calculus in the country and the relationship, the u.s. relationship with iraq. >> thank you, senator. at the very top of my mind is the safety of all americans serving in iraq. i track this extremely closely over the course of this year, we've had on average zero to three attacks a week on the overall u.s. presence, almost ti