Career diplomat picked as US envoy to Moscow

Washington (AP) - President Clinton has selected Thomas Pickering, a former US ambassador to the United Nations during the Bush administration, to be ambassador to Russia, the White House announced yesterday. George Stephanopoulos, the White House communications director, said Mr Pickering 'has distinguished himself and his nation in a number of challenging assignments'. Mr Pickering is a career diplomat who also served as US ambassador to India and Jordan. Mr Pickering, whose nomination is subject to Senate approval, met President Clinton last month and the President 'was deeply impressed by his knowledge and wisdom', Mr Stephanopoulos said.

The Senate yesterday approved President Clinton's nominations of Madeleine Albright as US ambassador to the United Nations and of Clifton Wharton as deputy secretary of state, giving the nominations their nod in a voice vote.