Obama defends nominee for Iraq envoy after opposition

Washington: Barack Obama's chief spokesman says the president is standing by his nomination of Christopher Hill as the next US ambassador to Iraq despite opposition from at least three Republican senators.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the president believes he's "got the right man for the job."

Hill has become the latest in a string of troubled nominations by the president.

Hill's appointment has run into Republican complaints that he lacks experience in the Middle East and was too eager to strike a deal in inconclusive disarmament talks with North Korea.

Gibbs said Obama has "extraordinary respect" for Hill's ability to understand and resolve complex political situations.