Obama picks new US ambassador to Russia

  WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is nominating his top Russia adviser as the next U.S. ambassador to that country.

A senior administration official confirmed the choice of Michael McFaul. That would be a departure from standard practice because McFaul is not a career diplomat.

The administration official spoke on condition of anonymity to speak ahead of a formal announcement. The choice was first reported by The New York Times.

McFaul is a trusted policy adviser who has worked with Obama to achieve a "reset" of the U.S.-Russia relationship, including the signing of the New START treaty to reduce strategic warheads.

Among the challenges to the U.S.-Russia relationship are an American plan for missile defense and changes that might stem from the upcoming presidential elections in Russia.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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