Clinton named secretary of state

Last Modified: 01 Dec 2008
By: Alice Tarleton

US president-elect Barack Obama confirms he has chosen former rival Hillary Clinton for one of the top jobs in his government.

Announcing his national security team today, Obama said he had "no doubt" that the former first lady was the right person for the top diplomatic job, which is currently held by Condoleezza Rice.

Obama also confirmed he would keep Robert Gates as defence secretary.

"At a time of unprecedented transition in which the country is fighting two wars," Obama said it was right to keep the Republican, who has served for the past two years under George Bush.

Retired general Jim Jones is Obama's pick as national security adviser.

"Jim will bring to the job the dual experience of serving uniform and as a diplomat," said Obama.

Other appointments include Washington lawyer Eric Holder as attorney general and Brookings Institution fellow Susan Rice as UN ambassador. Both advised Obama during his presidential campaign.

Arizona governor Janet Napolitano will be homeland security secretary.

Challenges for the new team include America's two wars - in Afghanistan and Iraq - plus the nuclear issue and the country's dependence on oil.

"The national security challenges we face are just as grave and just as urgent as our economic challenges," Obama said today.

"There is much to do, from preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to Iran and North Korea, to seeking a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, to strengthening international institutions.

"The common thread linking these challenges is that during the 21st century, our destiny is linked with the world's."

Clinton said leaving the senate was "very difficult", but that she felt this was the best way in which she could serve her country.

Her appointment marks the end of weeks of speculation of Clinton's role in the new administration. Her husband, former president Bill Clinton, agreed to identify more than 200,000 donors to his presidential library and foundation.

Obama, who fought a long battle for the Democratic nomination against Clinton earlier this year, refused to be drawn on their former rivalry.

Away from the heat of the campaign trail they "shared a view" about keeping America safe and secure, he said.

The president-elect said the prospective team had met this morning to discuss the situation in Mumbai.

In coming weeks he would be in close contact with the team, who would in turn be working with their counterparts in the Bush administration to ensure they are able to hit the ground running on 20 January 2009, when Obama will be formally inaugurated as president.