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S. HRG. 111–933 

NOMINATIONS 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS 

FIRST SESSION 

JULY 7, 2009 

Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Relations 

( 

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.fdsys.gpo.gov 

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts, Chairman

CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Connecticut 

RUSSELL D. FEINGOLD, Wisconsin 

BARBARA BOXER, California 

ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey 

BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland 

ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania 

JIM WEBB, Virginia 

JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire 

EDWARD E. KAUFMAN, Delaware 

KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York 

RICHARD G. LUGAR, Indiana 

Republican Leader designee 

BOB CORKER, Tennessee 

JOHNNY ISAKSON, Georgia 

JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho 

JIM DEMINT, South Carolina 

JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming 

ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi 

DAVID MCKean, Staff Director

KENNETH A. MYERS, JR., Republican Staff Director

(II)

C O N T E N T S 

Page 

Gray, Gordon, Nominee to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia ............... 15 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 17 

Responses to questions submitted by the following Senators: 

John F. Kerry ............................................................................................ 35 

Richard G. Lugar ....................................................................................... 40 

Kerry, Hon. John F., U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, opening statement ..... 1 

Lugar, Hon. Richard G., U.S. Senator from Indiana, opening statement ........... 4 

Roemer, Hon. Timothy J., Nominee to be Ambassador to India .......................... 6 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 9 

Responses to questions submitted by the following Senators: 

John F. Kerry ............................................................................................ 31 

Richard G. Lugar ....................................................................................... 35 

Russell D. Feingold ................................................................................... 42 

Robert P. Casey, Jr. .................................................................................. 43 

Schmierer, Richard J., Nominee to be Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman .. 12 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 13 

Responses to questions submitted by the following Senators: 

John F. Kerry ............................................................................................ 34 

Richard G. Lugar ....................................................................................... 39 

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

Kennedy, Hon. Edward M., U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, prepared statement in support of Nominee Timothy J. Roemer .............................................. 5 

(III)

(1) 

NOMINATIONS 

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 

U.S. SENATE, 

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, 

Washington, DC. 

Timothy J. Roemer to be Ambassador to India 

Richard J. Schmierer to be Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman 

Gordon Gray to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia 

The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m., in room 

SD–419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. John F. Kerry 

(chairman of the committee) presiding. 

Present: Senators Kerry, Feingold, Shaheen, Kaufman, and 

Lugar. 

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN F. KERRY, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS 

The CHAIRMAN. Good morning, this hearing will come to order. 

I’m delighted to welcome our three nominees, and momentarily I 

will say a word about each of them. 

But if I can, I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the 

presence of a good friend, and our former colleague, Bennett Johnston, who’s here joining us in a much more important role than 

Senator—the proud role of father-in-law of Tim Roemer. 

And so, Bennett has served here, I think, four terms. I don’t 

think any other Louisiana politician has done that in the Senate, 

so we’re proud to welcome him back, and he—and just tell everybody, he was a terrific friend to me, we all remember him for many 

things—a great tennis player, sportsman, and competitor. 

But he also became one of the Senate’s experts on energy, wetlands, defense issues, and other issues critical to Louisiana. And I 

remember well the many contributions he made in those fields. 

I do remember, actually, and I asked my staff to sort of get a 

hold of the comments he made when he left the Senate, voluntarily, 

which not everybody does. And he said this, he said, ‘‘Politics and 

public service is synonymous with the pursuit of public office. It’s 

a high calling in our society. It’s the best opportunity for helping 

your State, your country, and your fellow man. 

‘‘The Senate, with its faults and criticisms, remains a bulwark of 

our democracy, and a hallowed institution. I will stand up for it, 

will not bash it, and will defend it against those who do.’’ I think 

it was his willingness to do that that endeared him to a lot of people when he was here. 

2 

So, we’re pleased to welcome you here today, Senator. 

And it’s a terrific pleasure to welcome these three outstanding 

public servants. Those of us who have served on the committee a 

long time—and that obviously includes Dick and I—are particularly pleased to see the quality of folks who are picked to be Ambassadors, who come with experience—either in the private sector 

or public life—but with a solid base of skills behind them, whichever it may be. And in this case, we have Tim Roemer, selected to 

be the Ambassador to India, Gordon Gray, Ambassador to Tunisia, 

and Richard Schmierer, Ambassador to Oman. 

Between them, these three nominees have five advanced degrees, 

nearly 90 years in government, and a staggering amount of institutional knowledge and on-the-ground wisdom. 

I know you have members of your family here today, beyond just 

our former colleague, and I’d love to have each of you introduce 

them at the appropriate time. 

Let me just say a word about each nominee. Tim Roemer has 

been a longtime colleague and good friend to many of us on this 

committee. I’d like to submit, for the record, a strong statement 

from Senator Kennedy, for his nomination. 

He has, as we all know, served six terms in the Congress, was 

a key sponsor of legislation to establish the 9/11 Commission, 

which he later served on with distinction. Along the way he managed to earn a Doctorate, and help his wife, Sally, raise four great 

kids. He currently serves as the President of the Center for 

National Policy. 

If confirmed, Ambassador Roemer will be representing our country at an exciting and potentially pivotal moment in United StatesIndia relations. Sometimes it seems like a cliche around here: 

everybody dealing with India trumpets the ties between the world’s 

oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy. It’s much 

more than that phrase entails. 

And the Obama administration has a genuine opportunity to 

forge a true strategic United States-India partnership. Not as a 

threat or counterweight against any other nation, but based on 

shared interests and shared values. If we get this right, it will benefit not only our nations, but also the region and the world. 

There are many areas where we can make real progress. First, 

we have to help India break with the perilous politics of South 

Asia’s past. India needs no lectures—virtually no nation has suffered more from terrorism than India. South Asia is also a volatile 

nuclear flashpoint. The Senate has passed legislation, which Senator Lugar and I sponsored, to recast our relationship with Pakistan. And this will help us to secure, not only the long-term safety 

of the United States and Pakistan relationship, but that of India, 

as well. 

I was in India shortly after the Mumbai incident, and I know the 

volatility that was felt, then. But the degree to which there is still 

an excessive focus on India-Pakistan border issues is really, almost 

an anachronism in today’s world, that we need to work to move 

beyond. 

On climate change, America and India are two of the world’s key 

players. And if India can find a greener path to economic development, that can lead the way for other large, populous nations like 

3 

Mexico and Indonesia. And it’s vital to both our nations that we 

help India do so. 

Senator Lugar and I and others supported a civilian nuclear deal 

with India, in part, because it will help India grow its economy 

with clean energy. I hope this will now open the door to greater 

cooperation on nonproliferation. 

Finally, there are the personal and cultural ties that are the lifeblood of our partnership: The international visits, phone calls, the 

small businesses, software engineers, educational exchanges have 

flourished in Massachusetts and other States across our country. 

I know Secretary Clinton will be carrying a message of friendship 

to India during her visit later this month to engage with India’s 

newly reelected leadership. And I hope that my colleagues will ensure that Ambassador Roemer is in place for her visit. And we will 

keep the record open for all three nominees until noon on Wednesday. 

Gordon Gray brings to his new posting as Ambassador to Tunisia 

decades of experience with the State Department in Baghdad, 

Cairo, Ottawa, Amman, Washington, and Karachi, and also as a 

young Peace Corps Volunteer in Oued Zem, Morocco. 

Most recently he served as Senior Advisor to our Embassy in 

Baghdad, and before that as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State 

for Near Eastern Affairs in Washington. 

In Tunis, he will be managing our relationship with an important partner in counterterrorism efforts. He’ll face the challenge of 

promoting greater freedoms in a country that has made significant 

gains in economic development and family law, but lagged far behind even some of its neighbors in respect for human rights. 

Richard Schmierer has been representing the United States 

across the Middle East for nearly three decades, with extensive experience in both public diplomacy and American Middle East policy. Today he has been selected as America’s Ambassador to the 

Sultanate of Oman. This is an important posting in one of the 

world’s most strategically vital regions. Nearby is a bottleneck in 

the world’s supply of oil, in the Strait of Hormuz, a failing state 

of great concern to many of us in Yemen, and a test case for the 

world’s nuclear nonproliferation regime in Iran. 

Historically, Oman has maintained close ties with both Iran and 

the United States. We also have close military-to-military ties, 

which our Ambassador in Muscat will support and hopefully build 

on. 

Finally, Ambassadors Gray and Schmierer will both be wellpositioned to contribute to our efforts on an issue of great importance to me and to the entire Senate and our country, and that is 

Arab efforts to normalize relations with Israel. 

Oman and Tunisia have historically been among the leading 

Arab States in this effort. Until 2000, both countries hosted Israeli 

Interests Offices to enhance trade ties. In 2005, Israel’s Foreign 

Minister visited Tunisia. Small steps toward normalization can 

carry great symbolic weight and help build momentum for peace, 

and we’re eager to hear from each of you on the potential you see 

for progress there. 

4 

I know from talking to George Mitchell, how critical it will be to 

get the entire Arab community to respond, so that there is a sense 

of the bona fides of all sides in this effort. 

So, all three of the nominees—as I said—have long, distinguished 

records representing Americans and thinking deeply about international and national security challenges our country faces. We’re 

eager to hear them today, and frankly, very hopeful we can dispatch them quickly to serve in their important new roles. It’s important for the President and the Secretary to have their team in 

place as fast as possible. 

Senator Lugar. 

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD G. LUGAR, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA 

Senator LUGAR. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I’m especially pleased to have the honor of introducing Congressman Tim Roemer, a distinguished fellow Hoosier, to the committee 

this morning. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tim productively on numerous issues during his six terms in Congress representing Indiana’s Third Congressional District. 

He is no stranger, either, to the Senate, having served on the 

staff of Senator Dennis DeConcini of Arizona during the 1980s. 

Since retiring from the House of Representatives in 2003, he has 

focused much of his attention on national security affairs as president of the Center for National Policy and as a member of the 

9/11 Commission. In the House, he served on the Intelligence Committee and sponsored the bill that created the 9/11 Commission. 

Since the Commission issued its report in 2004, he has appeared 

frequently to explain and to amplify on its conclusions. He also has 

served on the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass 

Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy’s Presidential Task Force on Combating 

the Ideology of Radical Extremism. 

Congressmen Roemer’s national security experience will be put 

to excellent use as Ambassador to India. In 2008, the United States 

and India concluded the landmark United States-India Peaceful 

Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. It was one of the most important 

strategic diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the United States in 

the last decade. With this pact, our country embraced a policy 

based on the premise that the national security and economic 

future of the United States would be enhanced by a strong and 

enduring partnership with India. 

Although the agreement has been concluded, its success will depend greatly, now, on the diplomatic work overseen by our next 

Ambassador to India. 

Tim also brings to the job an understanding of how the economic 

welfare of the United States will be affected by what happens overseas, particularly in relation to rapidly developing economies such 

as India. The United States is India’s largest trade and investment 

partner, with $17.7 billion in exports in 2008. Managing and expanding this engagement will be important as we attempt to work 

our way out of the current global recession. 

Many parts of our home State of Indiana have suffered heavy job 

losses. The Elkhart-Goshen metro area in the Third District, for exVerDate Nov 24 2008 14:14 Apr 05, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 H:\DOCS\2009 NOMS GONE TO PRINT\65252.TXT SENFOR1 PsN: BETTY
5 

ample, has a 17.5-percent unemployment rate, according the 

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tim’s congressional experience and 

familiarity with the composition and needs of local economies 

stressed by the global downturn will be advantageous as he seeks 

to generate economic opportunities in India for American businesses and their employees. 

The United States and India have common democratic values 

and the potential for limitless economic engagement. The progress 

made by India in the last decade is one of the world’s major success 

stories. With a well-educated middle class that is larger than the 

entire United States population, India can be an anchor of stability 

in Asia. 

It is also extremely important to efforts to address global energy 

security, food security, and climate change. I share the President’s 

confidence in Tim Roemer to lead our diplomatic efforts in India at 

this formative moment in history. 

I would also take this opportunity to note that I have had a 

chance to work with two other nominees, Mr. Gordon Gray and Mr. 

Richard Schmierer, who have been appointed Ambassadors to 

Tunisia and Oman, respectively. Both have impressive credentials 

as career members of the Foreign Service, including recent tours at 

our Embassy in Iraq. 

Mr. Schmierer was my escort officer on a 1983 visit that I made 

to Germany. Since then, he has gone on to many impressive 

achievements in the Foreign Service. His experiences have prepared him well to lead our mission in Muscat and work with our 

friends, the Omanis, with whom we have had a diplomatic relationship since the 19th century. 

I had the opportunity to spend 4 days with Mr. Gray in 2005 

when we were part of the same Presidential mission to Algeria, 

Morocco, and then to Libya. On that occasion we oversaw the release of the last 404 Moroccan prisoners of war held by the 

Polisario Front. This was the culmination of a great deal of creative 

U.S. diplomacy. 

We also had the opportunity to engage Libyan leaders, including 

leader Muammar Qaddafi—under a tent, in the desert, as you will 

recall—in an early period of establishing full diplomatic relations 

between our countries. I benefited greatly from the expertise and 

diplomatic skill exhibited by Mr. Gray during this mission. 

I congratulate all the nominees and their families on their appointments and look forward to our discussions today. 

I thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Senator Lugar. 

[The statement of Senator Edward Kennedy, in support of Timothy Roemer, follows:] 

STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD M. KENNEDY, U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS, 

IN SUPPORT OF TIMOTHY J. ROEMER

I’m delighted to support Tim Roemer’s nomination to serve as America’s Ambassador to India. 

I’ve known and worked with Tim Roemer for many years. He’s extremely thoughtful with strong values and a deep and abiding commitment to this country and to 

public service, and he has a clear appreciation of India’s extraordinary culture and 

heritage and place in history. Given Tim’s love of history and his respect for the 

democratic tradition, it is fitting that he has been nominated to serve as America’s 

Ambassador to the world’s largest democracy. 

6 

Many of Tim’s efforts during his congressional career were related to improving 

education. He was the chief sponsor of the Transition to Teaching bill that helped 

address teacher shortages by recruiting and training professionals to become teachers. Tim was also a principal sponsor of the AmeriCorps national service program, 

and a cosponsor of a bill to expand Head Start services to provide child care coverage for women moving from welfare to work. 

As Congressman from the Third District of Indiana from 1991 to 2003, Tim was 

well-known for his successful leadership on legislation that helped improve America’s competitiveness by balancing the federal budget, reforming elementary and secondary public education and improving the affordability of higher education. 

After the attacks of September 11, he used his position on the Permanent Select 

Committee on Intelligence to support the work of a joint congressional inquiry on 

the nature of the attacks. He was also the key sponsor of legislation to establish 

the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, known as 

‘‘The 9/11 Commission,’’ and he provided outstanding service to the Nation as a 

member of that Commission. 

Tim now serves on the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass 

Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, a bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2007 as a result of the reforms provided by the 9/11 Commission to examine 

how the United States can best address such threats to our national security. In 

addition, he serves on the Washington Institute for Near East Policy’s Presidential 

Task Force on Combating the Ideology of Radical Extremism, and the National 

Parks Second Century Commission. 

Since leaving Congress in 2003, Tim has continued to work on developing ways 

to strengthen national security as President of the Center for National Policy. He 

is also a Distinguished Scholar at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, 

working with Congress to improve public policy outcomes through teaching on the 

legislative branch and on policy analysis. 

I’m confident that Tim Roemer will be an outstanding Ambassador for the United 

States in India. He has the skills, vision, and commitment to public service that will 

enable him to excel in this position, as he has in all other endeavors. His wife and 

their four children, Patrick, Matthew, Sarah, and Grace will be ambassadors in 

their own right as well. 

I urge the committee to support his nomination. 

The CHAIRMAN. If we could ask you, Congressman Roemer, if 

you’d go first, please, and we’ll just run down the line. And as I 

said, please introduce anybody you’d like. 

STATEMENT OF HON. TIMOTHY J. ROEMER, 

NOMINEE TO BE AMBASSADOR TO INDIA 

Mr. ROEMER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Senator Lugar, Senator Kerry, thank you so much for your kind 

words, your time here at this important hearing, and your support. 

It is very, very important and meaningful, not just for the nominees here today, but for the country, that the two of you would 

take the time to be here for this nomination. 

The CHAIRMAN. If I could just interrupt—I apologize for doing 

this—but I need to give you a heads’ up—because of the schedule, 

I’m on the Finance Committee, and we’re about—you know, we’re 

trying to do the health care bill, as I think you know. So, Senator 

Kaufman is, at some point, a little later, going to sit in for me in 

this—so I can go to that meeting, but—— 

Mr. ROEMER. Even more for it, and thank you, Senator. I know 

you’ve got other committees and floor votes, thank you for being 

here. 

Before I get into my opening statement, I’d like to take the time 

to introduce my family. 

Senator Lugar, and Senator Kerry, you’re familiar with many of 

them. I think if I do all of them—— 

The CHAIRMAN. All four rows of them? 

7 

Mr. ROEMER. It would be all of my time, Senator. 

We have about 7 rows, here, but I will try to just introduce the 

immediate family. I want to start off, first of all, with my wife, 

Sally, who has supported my public service throughout my career, 

and her commitment and love is absolutely essential. 

Thank you, to Sally, for all she means to me. 

I want to thank my four children, here—Patrick, Matthew, 

Sarah, and Grace. They range in age from 8 to 16, and I want to 

thank them for their sense of optimism and adventure. This is not 

going to be easy on them, but they’re beginning to get a little bit 

more excited about it. And they’re looking forward to it. 

I want to recognize my mom and dad. Great Hoosiers, Senator 

Lugar, born and raised in South Bend, IN, Jim and Mary Ann Roemer, and they’ve always encouraged me to pursue the path of public service in the likes of people like Bobby Kennedy and Mahatma 

Gandhi and Mother Teresa and peace and justice issues. So, I want 

to thank them. 

I want to also recognize my in-laws, Sally’s parents, Bennett and 

Mary Johnston. You said some very kind words about them, Senators, thank you for that. They’ve blazed many trails of success 

here in the Halls of the Senate and in the paths of Louisiana, we’re 

very proud of them—both of them—and love them. 

I could go on and on with family members. I probably should 

stop there lest I start rivaling, maybe, the population of Indiana, 

with three or four more rows of my colleagues—— 

The CHAIRMAN. That’s all right, this will be the first family filibuster that we’ve ever had in the Senate. [Laughter.] 

Mr. ROEMER. And I would like to get to my statement, I’d ask 

unanimous consent, Senator Kerry, that my entire statement be 

entered into the record. 

The CHAIRMAN. So ordered. 

Mr. ROEMER. And I will try to highlight different parts of it. 

‘‘India is the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and 

the great-grandmother of tradition.’’ So said one of our celebrated 

and acclaimed novelists, Mark Twain. 

While it’s very exciting and alluring to look back on history and 

culture in India, what is so interesting and rewarding in the President nominating me for this position, is the future—the people-topeople relationships, the business-to-business relationships, the 

global possibilities of two great democracies moving forward, and 

defining solutions to the biggest problems in the 21st century, and 

the strategic partnerships that can be formed. 

I want to thank the President, and I want to thank the Secretary 

of State for their support and their nomination to this very important post. 

Senator Kerry mentioned some of my experience in Congress, 

and the U.S. Senate, and I was President of the Center for 

National Policy, working on national security and defense issues, 

foreign policy concerns, agricultural issues with Senator Lugar, as 

I was a Congressman, microenterprise loans projects, science and 

technology issues as a member of the Science and Technology Committee in the House. 

8 

I believe all of those experiences will richly prepare me for working with the Indian Government and trying to work on some of the 

key priorities between the United States and the Indian people. 

I’d like to say, in terms of a story that I heard when I was sent 

to Ambassador School, how that outlines four or five of the priorities that the President has discussed with me in a meeting about 

a week and a half ago at the White House. 

There’s a story that’s attributed to former Secretary George 

Shultz, where he would bring in the prospective new ambassadors 

going to posts around the world. And he took them into his office, 

and he had a big globe in front of him, and he would say, ‘‘Please 

show me—point to your country.’’ And the nominee would be very 

excited, and interested, and would almost inevitably point to India 

or Indonesia or Tunisia, and the Secretary would sit back in his 

chair, and pause, and then look at them and say, ‘‘Ahem, let me 

remind you, your country is the United States of America. Your job 

is to support the interests, the concerns, and the priorities of the 

United States.’’ 

Along those lines, Senator Lugar, as you mentioned, the job dislocation in Indiana, where we have 17 and 18 percent unemployment rates, the economy, the global meltdown—one of the priorities 

for the current, ongoing relationship between the people of Indian 

and the United States is to work to break the impasse on the Doha 

Round, and facilitate fair and free trade to create jobs in the 

United States. This is the key issue to break down barriers, to increase trade, trade that has increased from about $13 billion to 

over $44 billion in the last 6 years. 

We’re interested, Senator Lugar, as I know you are, in the legacy 

issues around the civilian nuclear deal, to make sure that those 

issues are resolved in a positive way, so U.S. businesses can get 

access to the nuclear reactor parks there, and create jobs here. 

Another important issue, and moving forward in this strategically vital relationship, is a broader agreement on counterinsurgency and counterterrorism issues, for stability in that region. I’d 

like to congratulate Senator Kerry and Senator Lugar for their historic work on this Kerry-Lugar legislation, to help stabilize the 

issues and priorities in Pakistan, and help the Pakistani people 

concentrate more on the internal threat of al-Qaeda and the 

Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba. I think that can help, significantly, 

our relationship with India. 

But we need to expand intelligence-sharing, and best practices, 

on homeland security, so that we don’t see another Mumbai attack. 

A third important issue is broadening and expanding the defense 

and military-to-military relationships that also can result in jobs in 

America. As India seeks to modernize its military from fighter jets 

to vessels in the Indian Ocean to help fight piracy and preserve 

trading lanes in the Indian Ocean—a strategically important area 

for us and for them, end-use monitoring agreement, and concluding 

that, task force and working arrangements in the Indian Ocean on 

security issues—are key. 

A fourth issue, which personally I am very interested in, is 

broadening our cooperation on higher education, and education reform. The Indians send about 94,000 students to the United States 

of America for schools, they have some excellent universities in 

9 

India, they are challenged to create more. And many of our universities are interested in establishing joint ventures with India, to 

provide opportunities for us to create opportunities for Indians 

overseas, for our land-grant colleges and agricultural universities 

to help with a new green revolution in India. This has very exciting 

and rewarding potential for the United States and for Indian. 

Senator Kerry, you’ve mentioned a key issue on climate change 

and clean energy. This has great significance for our two countries. 

In a land like India, and a historic place like America, where invention and science and entrepreneurship and education is so key, 

and seminal to both places, there are very many opportunities for 

the two countries to work together and agreeing on the Copenhagen agreement in December, but also cooperating at the global, 

the regional, and the bilateral levels on projects such as solar 

stoves, that could help reduce the black carbon, from the old stoves 

in the rural communities going into the atmosphere and creating 

more global warming. 

Finally, Senator Kerry, and Senator Lugar, one of the very exciting issues that I mentioned with respect to higher education, is a 

green revolution. This touches on clean energy, this touches on new 

technologies and scrubbers for their coal plants that might be produced in America and sent over to India that touches on how we 

help and learn from the Indians on protecting the soil and increasing productivity in the agricultural areas, so that 30 to 40 percent 

of their foodstuff doesn’t spoil on the way to market, but actually 

makes it to market and helps the Indian people feed themselves, 

and they’re self sufficient as they have become in that round. 

I would end, Senator Kerry and Senator Lugar, by saying that 

the success on India over the last several decades has been a bipartisan success. It’s been a foreign policy where many of the successful actors, and much of the credit goes to Democrats and goes to 

Republicans, goes to our United States Senate, and our United 

States Congress for getting through our Congress the Civil Nuclear 

Agreement and the Indian people, and the Parliament passing 

that. 

It goes to the people-to-people contacts, and the business-to-business contacts. I would like to carry on this tradition. And work in 

a bipartisan way, with both of you, who have shown great leadership on these issues, with our United States Congress, with our 

President who has told me, personally, on a couple of different occasions how interested he is in this issue of United States-India 

partnerships, how successful his meeting went with Prime Minister 

Singh, in London at the G20. And I look forward to working with 

Secretary Clinton, who is very interested in traveling to India soon. 

So, thank you so much for the honor to be here, the privilege to 

be nominated and, if confirmed, I look forward to working with 

both of you and following your good example on this set of issues. 

Thank you very much. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Roemer follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF TIMOTHY J. ROEMER, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO INDIA

‘‘India is the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition,’’ said our celebrated and acclaimed author, Mark Twain. While 

the past is certainly alluring, it is the future—the people-to-people relationships, the 

global possibilities and strategic partnerships—that are exciting and rich with 

10 

potential. It is an honor and privilege to appear before you today to discuss my nomination to be United States Ambassador to the Republic of India. 

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I would like to express my deep 

gratitude to President Obama and Secretary Clinton for their support and nomination. I have had the opportunity to meet with them and discuss their views and 

vision for future relations with India, and if confirmed, I look forward to working 

with the United States Senate and the legislative branch. 

In addition, I would like to recognize and thank my family, starting with my wife, 

Sally, for her love and commitment. I would also like to thank my four children— 

Patrick, Matthew, Sarah, and Grace for joining me today. I am grateful for their 

fresh perspectives, youthful optimism, and sense of adventure. I would also like to 

recognize my parents, Jim and Mary Ann Roemer, who have always encouraged me 

to pursue the public service path of compassionate leaders such as Martin Luther 

King and Robert Kennedy in the United States and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi 

and Mother Teresa in India. I am also proud to acknowledge Sally’s parents, people 

who have successfully blazed the trail of great success here in these Halls, Senator 

Bennett Johnston and his wife, Mary. Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to 

the friends, coworkers, and family members who are here today and have helped 

advance me this far. 

My involvement and dedication to the public service and government has now 

spanned nearly four decades. Beginning in the late 1970s, I worked on my hometown Congressman John Brademas’ local election and interned in his Washington 

office. He taught me to deliver responsive and effective constituent services and seek 

out committee assignments where you can work passionately on issues you deeply 

care about. After graduation from the University of California and the University 

of Notre Dame, I returned to Washington and Capitol Hill in the 1980s to work for 

Senator Dennis DeConcini of Arizona. He assigned me the portfolio of national security, international trade, the Pentagon and defense and global development issues. 

Senator DeConcini encouraged me to travel in order to experience how the world 

actually worked and to utilize all our Nation’s valuable tools and assets, as he was 

an early advocate of ‘‘smart power.’’ In the 1990s, I successfully ran for public office 

and served my local community in Indiana in the United States Congress. I was 

fortunate to apply the lessons learned from my previous experiences in politics and 

gained committee assignments on the Intelligence Committee, the Education and 

Labor Committee, and the Science and Technology Committee. More importantly, 

Mr. Chairman, each of these committees has an important and relevant application 

to current bilateral relations with India today. 

I believe that my past experience working with the legislative branch of our Government on various issues will be invaluable as we seek to advance and strengthen 

our global, regional, and bilateral interests with India. On the Hill, I worked on economic topics such as trade agreements, agricultural initiatives, microenterprise 

projects, and promoting rural development programs. Additionally, on the security 

topics, I was very involved in programs impacting our counterterrorism policies, our 

defense issues, and our intelligence priorities. 

I used my position on the Intelligence Committee to support the work of a joint 

congressional inquiry into the nature of the 9/11 attacks and was the key sponsor 

of legislation establishing the ‘‘9/11 Commission.’’ If confirmed, I look forward to 

sharing with my Indian counterparts the lessons we learned from 9/11 as India 

addresses the aftermath of its own terrorist tragedy in Mumbai and as we work 

together to prevent other attacks from occurring. I am certain there are improvements we can impart to India, and there are best practices we can learn directly 

from them. When I recently met with President Obama, we discussed national security and how both of our countries can work together to address the common threat 

of radical extremism. 

Since leaving Congress in 2003, I have combined my interest in bipartisan solutions with my expertise in the complex national security issues facing our country 

today through my work at the Center for National Policy. The Center was founded 

in 1981 by Senator Ed Muskie, a former Secretary of State and continued with Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. The trend of former and future Secretaries of State 

heading the Center continued in the 1990s with Madeleine Albright taking charge. 

I was selected as President in 2003. Since then, I have worked to bring together 

decisionmakers, policy experts, opinion leaders, and the American public to critically 

examine and make policy recommendations addressing the challenges facing our national security, including U.S. engagement abroad, security and intelligence reform, 

terrorism, proliferation, and homeland security. My current work is not limited to 

counterterrorism issues. As member of the board of directors for the Meridian International Center, I have worked to promote our public diplomacy efforts by supporting international exchanges and cultural dialogue through ‘‘smart power’’— 

11 

strengthening those ‘‘people to people’’ ties that are so critical in all human relationships. If confirmed, I plan to make smart public diplomacy and outreach part of our 

daily mission at the United States Embassy in India. 

Days after the devastating 9/11 attacks on America, I remember traveling up to 

New York City to express solidarity with the people and meet with the victims of 

this brutal assault. The number of victims and attacks since 2001 has expanded 

worldwide—from Madrid and Mumbai to Istanbul and Islamabad. In fact, I was on 

my way to Pakistan in September 2008 when a truck bomber blew up the Marriott 

Hotel where I was due to stay later that day. Dozens of innocent workers—clerks, 

maids, taxi drivers, hotel guests—were murdered by terrorists. Great global powers 

and concerned world citizens must work together to create a safer and more peaceful world. 

While our security relationship is important, our relationship with India goes beyond sharing lessons learned from terrorist attacks and capacity-building of law enforcement agencies. As is the case in all of America’s most enduring relationships, 

the United States-India bond is between two democratic societies and two free peoples—not just two governments. The Indian diaspora community (including over 2 

million American citizens of Indian ancestry), the influx of more than 94,000 Indian 

students to our universities, collaboration between our NGOs and civil society and 

growing economic and business interests—all have been pulling India and the 

United States closer for decades. 

If confirmed, I envision spending my time working to strengthen economic and 

trade cooperation, helping to expand the frontiers of human knowledge by deepening 

our science and technology cooperation, and thinking creatively about new education 

partnerships, clean energy projects and microenterprise initiatives to help women, 

children, and the urban poor. These programs will not only help India; they will 

advance U.S. interests by helping to nourish an emerging middle class in the most 

populous democratic country in the world. 

On the regional front, we will work closely with India to promote stability, prosperity, and development in the often volatile region of South Asia. On Pakistan, we 

need to continue to support improvement in the overall India-Pakistan relationship, 

including resumption of a dialogue process that will address issues vital to each 

country while still ensuring that Pakistan takes concrete steps to address the threat 

of terrorism. The recently passed Kerry-Lugar legislation should greatly facilitate 

this process. In Sri Lanka, we can engage with India and other regional and international partners to discuss issues such as providing for the large number of internally displaced persons, promoting political accommodation of minorities and coordinating reconstruction assistance in ways that will support peace and reconciliation 

efforts. If confirmed, I will engage with the Indian Government and seek their ideas 

on the most effective way to achieve this. 

Yet, the central question facing India in the coming years is how India defines 

its greatness as it takes an increasingly prominent role in global affairs. Indian software entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani, in a new book called ‘‘Imagining India,’’ articulates the challenge for internal change and reform: ‘‘India now stands evenly balanced between [Indians’] reluctance to change in the face of immense challenges and 

the possibilities we have if we do tackle these issues head on.’’ Nilekani is referring 

to the key issues such as clean energy, environmental problems, and public health 

care concerns. 

The real test of our partnership will be how we work together on the important 

common global challenges of our era, including addressing the urgent danger posed 

by climate change, which has a long-term impact on water and food shortages that 

are so pressing for India. 

Other global issues include strengthening the global trade and investment system, 

addressing transnational threats like nuclear weapons proliferation, terrorism, and 

pandemic disease; promoting sustainable economic development to alleviate poverty; 

and helping other nations become more democratic and open. 

We already work together to promote clean technologies, energy efficiency, and 

renewable energy through the United States-India Energy Dialogue and the sevennation Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, and the Civil 

Nuclear Agreement. The 2005 Open Skies agreement paved the way for the growth 

in travel: The doubling of American visas issued to Indians and record number of 

Americans visiting India. Earlier this year, a binational foundation helped award 

Fulbright-Nehru scholarships focused on management, public policy, governance, 

agriculture, and the environment. We are dramatically expanding our ties in both 

Education and Science and Technology, and in looking ahead, are interested in 

working with the new Human Resource Development Minister and Minister of 

Science and Technology to deepen this partnership. We also want to help India unleash a ‘‘second green revolution’’ that helps enhance the food security of both India 

12 

and the world. We want to work on education initiatives at the University level with 

joint partnerships in India. 

Our relationship with India is a good news story. And while our relationship has 

gone through different stages, we are certainly moving ahead on an upward trajectory. This is not a zero sum game with winners and losers but a positive sum 

game—with India as a strong, stable global democracy increasing peace and prosperity for all. 

As we embark on this critical third stage of our relationship, we should do so with 

a clear-eyed recognition that we will not always agree on how best to address the 

vital challenges of our times. Our history, geography, and economic development are 

different, and will inevitably lead to some divergence of perspectives. But our shared 

objectives and democratic values—and our intertwined fate—require us to make the 

effort to seek common ground. That is the commitment of President Obama and Secretary Clinton, and one that I look forward to advancing. 

I recall an interesting story I recently heard and was attributed to former Secretary of State George Shultz. When Secretary Shultz met with incoming Ambassadors, he would pull out a globe of the world and ask the ambassador-designates 

to ‘‘point to their country.’’ Without fail, each prospective Ambassador would point 

to the country he or she was being assigned to—Jordan, South Africa, or Indonesia. 

Secretary Shultz paused. His response was that ‘‘their country’’ is the United States 

of America, and that’s the country whose interests they will represent. 

I want you all to know that if I am confirmed, I will faithfully represent the 

United States and our interests. I will look forward to hearing your views and concerns and cooperating closely with the Senate and the House. 

In 1949, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in a speech delivered at 

the Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi said: ‘‘The problems of Asia today 

are essentially problems of supplying what may be called the primary human necessities.’’ He went on to mention the problems of supplying food, clothing, housing, 

health, education, and the like . . . Today, more than 450 million Indians live on 

less than $1.25 per day. 

While much progress has been made, India still faces serious development challenges. Prime Minister Singh vigorously campaigned in rural communities and 

pledged to bring more of the benefits of trade and progress to the poor. I hope to 

work to address some of these problems and move the United States-India relationship forward. If confirmed, I believe I have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service to work together to achieve these goals. Over the past decade, 

the achievements and successes of our United States-Indian partnership have numerous contributors—the Clinton administration, the Bush administration, Republicans, Democrats, Ambassadors, businesses, citizens, NGOs, and several Congresses. I look forward to joining with you and taking our partnership with India 

to new heights. 

Thank you again, Chairman Kerry and members of the committee, for the opportunity to appear before you. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, thank you, Congressman, we appreciate it. 

And your full statement will be in the record. 

STATEMENT OF RICHARD J. SCHMIERER, NOMINEE TO BE 

AMBASSADOR TO THE SULTANATE OF OMAN 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, thank you, Senator 

Lugar, both for your very generous comments on my background 

and experience, and thank you for your support. 

Unfortunately, my family members are all out of town this week, 

so Tim and Gordon said I could borrow their family members for 

today’s occasion. [Laughter.] 

So, thank you all for standing with me. 

Mr. ROEMER. You might get more votes from them than I did. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. With your concurrence, I’d also like to deliver a 

brief statement, but ask that a somewhat longer statement be 

placed on the record. 

The CHAIRMAN. So ordered. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Which treats some of the key elements of the 

United States-Omani relationship. 

13 

I am very honored to have the opportunity to appear before you 

today as President Obama’s nominee to be the next United States 

Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. I am deeply humbled by the 

trust and confidence that President Obama and Secretary Clinton 

have shown in me through this nomination. If confirmed I will 

work energetically to protect American citizens, promote American 

interests, and build on the excellent relations that exist between 

our two countries. 

As a career Foreign Service officer for almost 30 years, I would 

not have been able to accomplish the things I have without the 

support of my Foreign Service family—my wife, Sandra; our daughter, Erika; and our two sons, David and Daniel. 

We have all welcomed the opportunity to represent and serve our 

country abroad. I want to express my pride in them—and my gratitude to them—for the contributions and sacrifices that they have 

made in living the Foreign Service life. 

The United States and Oman share a long and dynamic historical relationship, but never has it been closer or more important 

than today, encompassing areas such as security, energy, and 

trade. If confirmed, I will work hard to maintain and deepen this 

relationship. 

The United States and Oman signed the Free Trade Agreement, 

which went into effect on January 1 of this year, an agreement 

which will foster even greater economic and commercial opportunities. If confirmed, I will place a high priority on ensuring that U.S. 

companies have the support and advice they need to benefit from 

these opportunities. 

While serving as a Public Affairs officer at American Embassies 

and consulates in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, I have had the 

opportunity to support many visits by Members of Congress. If confirmed, I look forward to inviting Members of Congress to visit 

Oman and to share their expertise and experience with Omanis 

and others in the country. 

Let me close by expressing, once again, my appreciation for this 

opportunity to appear before you, and share my thoughts for the 

important duties for which President Obama has nominated me. If 

confirmed, I pledge to carry out these duties to the best of my 

ability. 

Thank you, and I welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Schmierer follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF RICHARD J. SCHMIERER, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO THE

SULTANATE OF OMAN

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I am honored to have this opportunity to appear before you today as President Obama’s nominee to be the next 

United States Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. I am deeply humbled by the 

trust and confidence that President Obama and Secretary Clinton have shown in 

me through this nomination. If confirmed I will work energetically to protect American citizens, promote American interests, and build on the excellent relations that 

exist between our two countries. 

As a career Foreign Service officer for almost 30 years, I would not have been able 

to accomplish the things I have without the support of my Foreign Service family— 

my wife, Sandra; our daughter Erika; and our two sons, David and Daniel. We have 

all welcomed the opportunity to represent and serve our country abroad, having now 

spent almost two decades serving in Europe and the Middle East. I know that my 

wife and children are proud of the honor President Obama has bestowed upon me 

14 

through this nomination; but, likewise, I want to express my pride in them—and 

my gratitude to them—for the contributions and sacrifices that they have made in 

living the Foreign Service life. 

The United States and Oman share a long and dynamic relationship. This bond 

dates back to 1790, when the Boston brig ‘‘Rambler’’ entered the Port of Muscat. 

Oman was the first Gulf Arab State to sign a bilateral accord with the United 

States and, in 1840, the Omani vessel ‘‘Sultana,’’ carrying the first Omani envoy, 

dropped anchor in New York harbor. The first American consulate was established 

in Muscat in 1880, and the first resident American envoy took up his post in 1974. 

That important relationship continues to this day. 

When Sultan Qaboos came to power in 1970, Oman was just emerging into the 

modern age; today, Oman is a modern state with first-class infrastructure and educational institutions. In fact, today more Omani women are studying for university 

degrees than men. English is the language of higher education. Oman has achieved 

a high degree of good governance and rule of law through the development of strong 

government institutions, and, increasingly, a robust civil society founded on nongovernmental organizations. An independent human rights commission, with representatives from the public and private sectors, was established in 2008. 

All Omani citizens over the age of 18 enjoy universal suffrage, and Oman has 

been a country at the forefront in the region in promoting women’s rights and women’s participation in political and economic arenas. Omani women run for, and have 

been elected to, political office. Currently there are three Omani women in the Sultan’s Cabinet, and 14 women serve in the appointed Majlis al-Doula. Women comprise 40 percent of Oman’s civil service. The State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) has, for many years, supported political empowerment 

programming for Omani women and if confirmed I look forward to enhancing those 

efforts. 

Oman’s cooperation and assistance have been critical in supporting international 

security efforts in the region. Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other security operations have benefited from access to Omani facilities 

and from other support from Oman. Oman is a steadfast ally in defending against 

extremism and promoting regional stability and security. If confirmed, I will work 

hard to maintain and deepen this strong security relationship. 

Oman’s history as a trading empire is based in part on its strategic location on 

the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. Oman’s ports have become some of the most 

active in the world, and the southern Port of Salalah now serves as a pilot post for 

the Department of Homeland Security’s Secure Freight Initiative (SFI). Oman plays 

a central role in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic 

chokepoint through which much of the world’s daily oil supplies transit. 

Economic and commercial ties between our two countries continue to grow, with bilateral trade increasing from $1.7 billion in 2006 to $2.2 billion in 2008. On January 1 of this year, we implemented the United States-Oman Free Trade agreement, 

an agreement that is further enhancing our economic and cultural ties. The agreement includes important labor guarantees, which ensure that Oman’s continued economic development benefits all Omanis. This agreement will foster even greater 

economic and commercial opportunities, and if I am confirmed I will place a high 

priority on ensuring that U.S. companies have the support and advice they need to 

benefit from these opportunities. 

The important cultural connection between our two countries was demonstrated 

recently when Oman participated in the Kennedy Center’s Arabesque Festival. A 

binational group of American and Omani dancers trained for months in Muscat and 

in Washington under the tutelage of the renowned choreographer Debbie Allen to 

develop a performance that intricately narrated lessons about our two cultures. The 

show, ‘‘Oman O, man,’’ was presented to sold-out audiences and rave reviews during 

its run at the festival. 

The Middle East Desalination Research Center—MEDRC—is headquartered in 

Muscat and has been chaired by Oman since its inception in 1996. The Middle East 

is experiencing increasing demand for fresh water along with decreasing supplies. 

MEDRC’s mission is to address the supply issue by promoting the development of 

region specific desalination and water reuse techniques and capacity. It also continues to support the evolution of peace in the region by bringing together Israeli, 

Palestinian, Jordanian, Qatari, and Omani officials, who along with other donors 

(Japan, Korea, United States, Netherlands), work together to solve this shared 

resource challenge. In his speech in Cairo last month, President Obama noted the 

importance of creating ‘‘centers of excellence’’ to encourage scientific progress and 

cooperation; MEDRC truly fits that description. 

If confirmed, I further plan to invite Members of Congress and their staffs to visit 

Oman and to share their expertise and experience with Omanis and others in the 

15 

country. I have been pleased to support such visits for many years while serving 

as a Public Affairs Officer at American Embassies and Consulates in Germany, 

Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. 

Let me close by expressing once again my appreciation for this opportunity to appear before you and share my thoughts on the important duties for which President 

Obama has nominated me. If confirmed, I pledge to carry out these duties to the 

best of my ability. Thank you. I welcome the opportunity to answer any questions 

you might have for me. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Secretary Gray. 

STATEMENT OF GORDON GRAY, NOMINEE TO BE 

AMBASSADOR TO THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA 

Mr. GRAY. Mr. Chairman, Senator Lugar, thank you very much 

for your kind words. If my father were here today, he would have 

appreciated them, and if my mother were here today, she would 

have believed them. [Laughter.] 

It’s a pleasure and an honor to appear before the committee 

today as President Obama’s nominee to be Ambassador to the 

Republic of Tunisia. And I want to thank the President and Secretary Clinton for their confidence in me. 

Before I start, however, I would also like to thank my wife, 

Connie, and our children Alex, Angela, and Christopher for their 

support and understanding throughout my career, and especially 

during this past year when I served at our Embassy in Iraq. 

I’d also like to acknowledge the presence of a representative from 

the Tunisian Embassy, Tarek Ben Youssef, and to him I say, 

‘‘Marhaba.’’ 

With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I’d like to have my statement also entered into the record, and just make a few briefer 

comments. 

The CHAIRMAN. So ordered. 

Mr. GRAY. Thank you. 

I have a particular interest in North Africa, which began with 

my 2 years of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco. More 

recently, I served for 3 years as the Deputy Chief of Mission at our 

Embassy in Egypt before returning to Washington for the assignment as Deputy Assistant Secretary that Senator Lugar mentioned. And if confirmed, I look forward to working closely with this 

committee and with Congress to advance America’s interests in 

Tunisia and throughout North Africa. 

The United States has a strong and continuous friendship with 

Tunisia, which extends back over 200 years. It began with a Treaty 

of Peace and Friendship, first signed in Tunis in 1797 that extended through the Second World War when Tunisian support was 

essential for the success of Allied troops against the Rommel’s 

forces in North Africa. 

I think it strengthened upon Tunisia’s independence in 1956. We 

were the first major power to recognize Tunisia as an independent 

state, and American taxpayers provided millions of dollars of assistance to help Tunisia become one of the most economically and 

socially developed countries in the region. 

Peace Corps Volunteers and Agency for International Development experts, alike, further cultivated the spirit of partnership and 

goodwill between the Tunisian and American peoples. 

16 

In addition to our historic ties, the people of Tunisia and the 

United States have many common interests. These include advancing regional peace, combating terrorism, building prosperity, and 

promoting democratic values. I’d like to address each in turn. 

On regional peace, the United States and Tunisia share many 

common goals. We both want to strengthen the Arab Maghreb 

Union, whose Secretary General is a former Tunisian Foreign Minister. Tunisia sustains a solid commitment to United Nations 

peacekeeping missions in Africa and deploys doctors to assist countries throughout the continent. Tunisia, like the United States, 

supports the reintegration of Iraq into the Middle East and—in 

marked contrast to many other countries—has maintained a continuous presence in Baghdad. 

Foreign Minister Abdullah represented Tunisia at the Annapolis 

Conference in November 2007, and—if confirmed by the Senate— 

I will work to encourage Tunisia to more vigorously promote its 

moderate perspective on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Tunisia has been attacked by al-Qaeda, and al-Qaeda in the 

Islamic Maghreb constitutes a true threat to Tunisia. In early 

2008, for example, two Austrian tourists were kidnapped by this 

terrorist group along the border region of Algeria and Tunisia. 

Tunisia has demonstrated its commitment to combating terrorism, both domestically and throughout the region, through its 

membership in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. If 

confirmed, I will draw on my service in the State Department’s 

counterterrorism office and on the experience developed in subsequent assignments to promote even stronger United StatesTunisian cooperation. 

Regarding trade, each Ambassador has a responsibility to the 

American people to make the United States a more prosperous 

nation. Both of my two fellow nominees have addressed the importance of working to reduce trade and investment barriers for American companies; that will certainly be a priority for me, and I view 

the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, signed in 2002, 

as a solid starting point for our economic engagement with Tunisia. 

Finally, Tunisia is indeed a valued partner in the fight against 

terrorism and a moderate voice on regional issues, but progress in 

the political sphere is essential if Tunisia is to secure its future. 

Tunisia is ready for more progress in the areas of freedom of association, freedom of expression, and enhanced debate. 

In his June 4 speech in Cairo, President Obama affirmed, ‘‘Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful, and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making 

them go away.’’ 

If confirmed, I shall work with the people and the Government 

of Tunisia to promote these freedoms, with respect for Tunisian 

sovereignty, and with an understanding of the unique challenges 

Tunisia faces. The upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections in October provide an important opportunity for the United 

States to engage the Government of Tunisia to encourage electoral 

transparency. 

Mr. Chairman, if confirmed I intend to take every opportunity to 

speak directly with the Tunisian people about the United States, 

our foreign policy, and our ideals. I will listen to what they have 

17 

to say, and I will encourage all members of our Embassy to do the 

same. American values, including informed citizenship, political 

freedom, and socioeconomic opportunity, resonate with Tunisians 

and others across the region. We should continue to reach out to 

them to strengthen our dialogue on these important issues. 

Tunisians were riveted by the U.S. elections, and President 

Obama’s Cairo speech last month resonated strongly and positively. 

He has captured their imagination by signaling his desire to engage with Muslims around the world. If confirmed, I will seek to 

put the President’s words into action in Tunisia. 

Thank you again for this opportunity, Mr. Chairman. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you, with the rest of the 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and with both Houses of Congress to continue the excellent work of Ambassador Godec and his 

team in advancing our interests in Tunisia. 

I would like to encourage you and your colleagues to visit Tunisia, and I welcome any questions you may have. 

Thank you. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Gray follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF GORDON GRAY, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE

TO THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the committee, it is a pleasure and an 

honor to appear before you today as President Obama’s nominee to be Ambassador 

to the Republic of Tunisia. I want to thank President Obama and Secretary Clinton 

for their confidence in me. 

Before I start, I would also like to thank my wife, Connie, and our children Alex, 

Angela, and Christopher for their support and understanding throughout my career, 

and especially during this past year when I volunteered to serve at our Embassy 

in Iraq. 

If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working hard every day to fulfill the 

duty of each and every Ambassador to protect American citizens, advance the interests of the United States, and promote our values. 

I have a particular interest in North Africa, which began with my 2 years of service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. More recently, I served for 3 years as 

the Deputy Chief of Mission at our Embassy in Egypt before returning to Washington for a 3-year assignment as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the 

region. If confirmed, I will work closely with this committee and with Congress to 

advance America’s interests in Tunisia and throughout North Africa. 

The United States has a strong and continuous friendship with Tunisia, which extends back over 200 years. This friendship began with the Treaty of Peace and 

Friendship, first signed in Tunis in 1797. Upon President Lincoln’s assassination in 

1865, the Bey of Tunis was the first head of state to offer his condolences. In World 

War II, Tunisian support was essential for the success of Allied troops against the 

Third Reich’s forces in North Africa. 

The friendship between the United States and Tunisia strengthened upon 

Tunisia’s independence from France in 1956. We were the first major power to recognize Tunisia as an independent state, and American taxpayers provided millions 

of dollars of assistance to help Tunisia become one of the most economically and 

socially advanced countries in the region. Peace Corps volunteers and Agency for 

International Development experts further cultivated the spirit of partnership and 

good will between the Tunisian and American peoples. To this day, we appreciate 

Tunisia’s continuing support for the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial 

in Tunis, which is the resting place for 3,000 U.S. troops who died in the line of 

duty in the Second World War. 

In addition to our historic ties, the people of Tunisia and the United States have 

many common interests. These include advancing regional peace, combating terrorism, building prosperity, and promoting democratic values. I’d like to address 

each in turn. 

• On regional peace, the United States and Tunisia share many common goals. 

We both want to strengthen the Arab Maghreb Union, whose Secretary General 

is a former Tunisian Foreign Minister. Tunisia sustains a solid commitment to 

18 

United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa and deploys medical and scientific experts to assist countries throughout the continent. Tunisia, like the 

United States, supports the reintegration of Iraq into the Middle East and—in 

marked contrast to many other countries—has maintained a continuous presence in Baghdad. Foreign Minister Abdullah represented Tunisia at the Annapolis Conference in November 2007, and—if confirmed by the Senate—I will 

work to encourage Tunisia to more vigorously promote its moderate perspective 

on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

• Tunisia has been attacked by al-Qaeda, and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb 

constitutes a true threat to Tunisia. In late 2007, for example, two Austrian 

tourists were kidnapped by this terrorist group along the border region of Algeria and Tunisia. Tunisia has demonstrated its commitment to combating terrorism, both domestically and throughout the region, through its membership 

in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. If confirmed, I will draw on 

my service in the State Department’s counterterrorism office and on the experience developed in subsequent assignments to promote even stronger United 

States-Tunisian cooperation. 

• Regarding trade, each ambassador has a responsibility to the American people 

to make the United States a more prosperous nation. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the Government of Tunisia to continue progress to reduce 

trade and investment barriers. The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, signed in 2002, is a solid starting point for our economic engagement with 

Tunisia, and acts to support a Tunisian economy that is open and integrated 

into the world economy and its institutions, through the development of laws 

and policies that foster private sector-driven economic growth and economic 

freedom, increased U.S. trade and investment, and sustainable development. 

• Finally, Tunisia is indeed a valued partner in the fight against terrorism and 

a moderate voice on regional issues, but progress in the political sphere is 

essential if Tunisia is to secure its future. Tunisia is ready for more progress 

in the areas of freedom of association, freedom of expression, and enhanced debate. In his June 4 speech in Cairo, President Obama affirmed, ‘‘Governments 

that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful, and secure. 

Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away.’’ If confirmed, I 

shall work with the people and the Government of Tunisia to promote these 

freedoms, with respect for Tunisian sovereignty and with an understanding of 

the unique challenges Tunisia faces. The upcoming Presidential and parliamentary elections in October provide an important opportunity for the United States 

to engage the Government of Tunisia to encourage electoral transparency. 

Mr. Chairman, if confirmed I intend to take every opportunity to speak directly 

with the Tunisian people about the United States, our foreign policy, and our ideals. 

I will listen to what they have to say. And I will encourage all members of our Embassy to do the same. American values, including informed citizenship, political freedom, and socioeconomic opportunity, resonate with Tunisians and others across the 

region. We should continue to reach out to them to strengthen our dialogue on these 

important issues. In addition, we should work to build on the many educational exchanges and business contacts between Americans and Tunisians to foster greater 

understanding and cooperation. There is a great hunger, in particular, for English 

language programs and scientific and technical exchanges. If confirmed, I will work 

diligently to promote the friendship between our two peoples by increasing the quality, diversity, and number of cultural and educational exchanges. 

Tunisians were riveted by the U.S. elections, and President Obama’s Cairo speech 

last month resonated strongly and positively. Simply put, he has captured their 

imagination by signaling his desire to engage with Muslims around the world. If 

confirmed, I will seek to put the President’s words into action in Tunisia. 

Thank you again for this opportunity, Mr. Chairman. If confirmed, I look forward 

to working with you, with the rest of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 

with both Houses of Congress to continue the excellent work of Ambassador Godec 

and his team in advancing our interests in Tunisia. I encourage you and your colleagues to visit Tunisia, and I welcome your questions. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Secretary Gray, we appreciate the comments. 

I want to try to probe a few questions, if I can, before I have to 

leave, and I want to take advantage—first of all, I need to ask a 

couple of pro forma questions. 

19 

Do any of you, as nominees, to represent the United States in 

these respective countries, have any issue that would present a 

conflict of interest in your capacity to perform these responsibilities? 

Congressman. 

Mr. ROEMER. No, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Schmierer. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. No, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Gray. 

Mr. GRAY. No, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. And is there any issue from which any of you 

have had to, at this time, recuse yourself, or would have to recuse 

yourself in the future? 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Schmierer. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. No, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Gray. 

Mr. GRAY. No, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Roemer. 

Mr. ROEMER. No, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. And have you had to divest in anything in order 

to be able to take on this responsibility? 

Mr. Roemer. 

Mr. ROEMER. In my ethics letter, Senator, I will have to sell some 

individual stocks, and investments in mutual funds, and I’ve served 

on a private sector board of a major U.S. corporation that will 

require me to sell stock in that firm. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Sir, I have not had to divest in any assets. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Gray. 

Mr. GRAY. I will have to divest about $3,200 worth of stock in 

Microsoft and Cisco, and if confirmed, I have affirmed that I am 

prepared to do that. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Well, we appreciate that, we appreciate your willingness to do 

that. It’s one of the things that a lot of Americans aren’t aware, 

that people who serve—not just in the Foreign Service, but any of 

these positions—often are called on to make considerable financial 

sacrifice, and/or other kinds of sacrifice, and we respect that and 

we are grateful for the fact that you are willing to do that. 

I want to take advantage of Mr. Schmierer and Mr. Gray’s presence, here, both of you have been working on Iraq issues, and I 

think we’d be remiss if we didn’t ask you, sort of—and just kind 

of hear your judgment on it, of where you see us at this point in 

time in terms of the troop withdrawals and the current track we’re 

on in Iraq? 

Mr. Gray. 

Mr. GRAY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I went to Iraq at the end of June of last year, and I returned on 

May 31. What struck me about my time there was the—my sense 

that the situation was improving. To be honest with you, I did not 

go with that assumption. 

I would point to a few concrete examples during the time I was 

there. One was the successful negotiation between the United 

States and the Government of Iraq on the security agreement and 

the strategic framework agreement. 

20 

There was a great deal—as you know, and I know you’ve visited—a great deal of back and forth, it was a very arduous negotiation, but it was conducted in a positive spirit and led to a result 

that, I think, is good for both countries. 

The second positive development that I would point to is the successful conduct of the provincial elections on January 31. The elections were held in 14 of Iraq’s 18 provinces. The turnout was not 

spectacular, but it was above 50 percent, but there was a peaceful 

transition from the old Provincial Councils and the old Governors 

to the new ones. I think that’s an encouraging sign for the future 

of Iraq, particularly as it prepares for the parliamentary elections 

that are scheduled to take place early next year. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. I would just briefly add that I would concur with 

Gordon’s assessment of the progress in Iraq. I’ve been dealing with 

Iraq, now, for 5 years, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State handling Iraq. And as I’ve watched the country in 

its ups and downs, I would say that currently I believe Iraq is on 

a very successful path, in terms of its security and stability. 

It does still face some political challenges, as Gordon mentioned, 

the successful provincial elections, next will be, of course, national 

elections expected in January, and those will be very important in 

terms of the political future of the country. 

They appear to be on track, and all elements of Iraqi society are 

vested in the political process, so they’re all working from within 

the process, which is very encouraging. 

And then, I think, Iraq will really have to begin to face some of 

the fundamental economic issues that will ultimately be critical to 

its long-term success. 

But my assessment—as Gordon has indicated—is that it is on a 

positive trajectory, and I think our engagement will continue to be 

able to be walked back as the Iraqis continue to take on more and 

more of the responsibility. 

The CHAIRMAN. How much of a challenge is it that they have yet 

to resolve the basic, sort of, political pieces—the oil wealth distribution, the federalism issue, and some of the Sunni/Shia reconciliation issues? 

Mr. SCHMIERER. I might just mention that there are a number 

of processes underway which would address these issues, for example, the United Nations is taking the lead in getting the parties together to discuss the disputed internal boundaries issues, and 

that’s an important element. 

The Council of Representatives Speaker is looking to take on the 

issue of the hydrocarbons legislation. So, there are a number of 

efforts underway. 

I think we can anticipate that in the coming period, it will be a 

preelection period, we will probably see dialogue, but perhaps not 

significant breakthroughs. But we would hope and expect to see 

those when a new government comes in, following the elections. 

But, as I said, I think the commitment to resolving these issues 

through dialogue is there by all of the parties, and I think that’s 

going to be key for the successful resolution of these issues. 

21 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, thank you, and we appreciate your, sort of, 

updating for the committee, and that’s helpful. 

Secretary Schmierer, what obstacles, if any, do you foresee for 

the renegotiation of the defense agreements with Oman, using the 

access to Oman military facilities? 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, the Base Access Agreement, which has 

been in place since 1980, does come up for renewal next year. My 

assessment, as I understand it, at this point, is that the Omanis 

are strongly supportive of an extension of a renewal. 

There may be—I anticipate there would be some adjustments 

made, based on some of the new requirements. But Oman has been 

very supportive of security efforts in the region, and particularly, 

of our security efforts. 

So, I don’t anticipate any significant obstacles, there just simply 

may be a few issues that will have to be worked out. 

The CHAIRMAN. How would you assess Oman’s relationship with 

Iran, and in what way might—whatever that is—be affected by 

what has happened in Iran in these recent weeks? 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, Oman does enjoy a cordial relationship 

with Iran, probably a closer relationship than the other members 

of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

At the same time, of course, as you know, it has a very strong 

relationship with the United States. Given its neighborhood and 

given its close proximity to Iran, its interest in having a cordial relationship with Iran, of course, is understood. 

The events in Iran, of course, continue to unfold. I think Oman 

is well-positioned to try to help everyone understand what is going 

on in Iran, and I think would be prepared to use its goodwill—both 

on behalf of its neighbors, and potentially others—to help a dialogue, to help an understanding of those developments. 

The CHAIRMAN. What is Oman’s position, and/or possible response with respect to Iran’s nuclear program—and were Iran to 

develop one—would they be among those in the region who feel 

compelled to respond themselves? 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, Oman itself is committed to nonproliferation, and so I believe Oman, in its own right, would not seek to respond directly. But I know Oman is concerned, as are its neighbors, 

at the prospects of a nuclear Iran. 

The CHAIRMAN. So, Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait, are all also committed to nonproliferation, but they’ve made it pretty clear that if 

Iran developed a weapon, they would probably feel compelled to do 

so, similarly. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, there’s no indication, to my knowledge, 

that Oman has taken such a position, but clearly they share the 

same concerns, and so I’m sure they would seek ways to address 

that, should it occur. 

The CHAIRMAN. Congressman Roemer, one of the most—when I 

recently visited India, and met with Prime Minister Singh and others, one of the issues I consistently raised with them was global climate change, and I’ll be taking a delegation to Copenhagen in 

December for those negotiations. 

I just came back from a week in China where we had a series 

of meetings regarding that issue, and China has indicated a significant willingness to be positive and constructive with respect to 

22 

Copenhagen, and they’re already taking very significant steps to 

begin to reduce emissions, to change various patterns from energy 

use, fuel switching, automobile standards, wind-power targets, 

other things. 

India has not yet set that kind of goal. I wonder if you could 

share with us, your sense of how you might advance that, and 

where you see India, at this point, with respect to that? 

India is now the fourth-largest emitter in the world. 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, as you said, Senator, their willingness, their 

interest in this, their dedication to the Copenhagen agreement is 

absolutely essential, to show leadership on a global issue, for their 

country, for their development, that their development does not 

have to sacrifice the environment to proceed; to feed their people, 

to grow their economy. 

There’s an interesting book written by the founder of InfoSys, in 

India, a software entrepreneur by the name of Nandan Nilekani. 

And he writes that the true challenge for the Indian people—this 

is not an American saying this—that the Indians need to do more 

on climate change and protecting the environment and making 

tough choices on clean energy—this is an Indian saying that they 

are at a crucial breaking point on global issues, and showing global 

leadership. And he is encouraging the government to take this 

issue on—both at the global rounds, at Copenhagen, and the regional areas, and on bilateral issues. 

I think, Senator, that there is much that the United States and 

the Indians can do together on science, technology, cooperation, climate change, clean energy issues. As I mentioned in my opening 

statement, the stove issue and black carbon is a very important 

one. 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, I couldn’t agree with you more, let me just 

say as I close up my time, here, I think you’ve got—one of the 

major roles that you can play is helping to show a lot of folks in 

India—many of them already understand this, I mean, they have 

a Nobel Prize winner from last year in Dr. Pachari, who—and others—who are well-versed in all of this. 

But I think it’s really important for us to work—as we have with 

China—to indicate how they can grow. We’re not trying to slow 

down their economies, they can grow, but grow without, frankly, 

making the mistakes that we made over 150 years. 

And the technologies are moving so rapidly, I think there’s just 

enormous economic opportunity in that. So, I think that’s going to 

be one of your biggest tasks. And I encourage you to really tackle 

that, and I’m prepared to come over and try to be helpful—with 

others here—who can sort of help to leverage that. 

Also, on the India/Pakistan piece—which is critical—I would just 

ask you, very quickly, there’s some indication, some tentative signs 

of, sort of, a renewal of effort to recreate that relationship that was 

actually moving prior to Mumbai. And I wonder how you assess the 

prospects for the renewal of the composite dialogue between India 

and Pakistan. 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, I think your legislation, Senator—you and 

Senator Lugar’s legislation—helps in many respects. 

23 

As you mentioned, there were some back channels that were 

established between the Indian and the Pakistani Government over 

the past several years, when Musharraf was in power. 

I think it’s an important role for the United States to recognize 

that while Pakistan and India are two sovereign and independent 

nations, that there is much that we can do to encourage these two 

countries to continue to talk, to exchange, and put up hotlines in 

case something happens in a Mumbai-type of attack in the future. 

For us to try to encourage military-to-military understanding and 

exchanges—both within our country and possibly between their two 

countries. 

I think there’s a lot of work, here, Senator, for me to do and for 

the administration and the Congress to do, if confirmed, and that 

would certainly be one of the priorities. 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, we look forward to all of you being confirmed, and we’re going to try to get you out of here, out of the 

committee, and through the Senate as fast as possible. And there’s 

no question you all will be confirmed, we’ll try to get it done as 

expeditiously as possible. 

And I look forward to your service. Thank you very, very much 

for being here today. 

Thank you. 

Senator Lugar. 

Senator LUGAR. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 

Congressman Roemer, let me ask about Kashmir, for a moment. 

This has been a source of militarism and opportunism. Many feel 

that much of the Pakistani military is focused on the border of 

Kashmir, and we’ve tried to persuade some to focus elsewhere in 

the country. 

But, what is the United States role relative to Kashmir? In the 

past, we have not seen our role as one of direct negotiations, or of 

guiding our two friends toward conclusion, but as you analyze the 

Kashmir problem, what comment would you have on constructive 

developments we could encourage? 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, Senator, I think it is an issue—it’s a delicate 

and sensitive issue. It’s one that we would diplomatically encourage 

that the Pakistanis and the Indians, first of all, improve their relationship, their ties, their trade, their exchanges, to foster peace and 

more prosperity in that area between their two countries. 

Second, Senator, I think it’s important to try to make sure that 

where we can, in front of the scenes, behind the scenes, through 

diplomatic channels, encourage them to talk about this issue, and 

hopefully resolve it between their two countries. 

I think it has been an extremely sensitive hot spot for the world 

and for the region, whenever we’ve almost experienced thermonuclear war on several occasions. 

So, again, just as the Pakistan-India negotiations—relationship 

is an important one to the President, the Secretary—this is also a 

delicate and important one. 

Senator LUGAR. In your statement, you’ve also mentioned Sri 

Lanka—can you give some indication of how the United States and 

India might work together to address both humanitarian considerations there, as well as general stability? 

24 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, on this, Senator I’d like to say, with respect 

to the Indians and Afghanistan, that they have provided a very 

helpful role to the United States, and to Afghanistan, and to the 

region. They’ve invested over a billion people on economic development, that’s a key interest for us in resolving, and helping out in 

Afghanistan, with kinetic, and nonkinetic power. 

With respect to Sri Lanka, the Indian Government has sent high 

level—I think their Foreign Minister, and their National Security 

Advisor—had been down there, if not once, twice. They’ve committed $20 million in aid, they’ve pledged another $100 million in 

aid. 

We’re very concerned—the United States Government is concerned about the internally displaced people, and encouraging resettlement, and reconciliation and a peace process to go forward, 

and I think that’s something that would be important for the next 

Ambassador to continue to work with the Indian Government on, 

to see that the Sri Lankan situation moves in a peaceful process, 

with reconciliation as a high goal. 

Senator LUGAR. The World Bank recently indicated, there are 

828 million Indians living on less than $2 a day—a huge number 

of persons living in very dire poverty. What ways, during your ambassadorship, do you suspect the United States can work with the 

Indian Government, with businesses, humanitarian organizations, 

to alleviate at least a portion of that situation? 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, Senator, if confirmed, I look forward to working with you on this. This would be a key priority for me as the 

next Ambassador. The President is extremely interested in this, as 

the Secretary of State is. As you know, Prime Minister Singh campaigned vigorously in the rural communities where about 70 percent of the Indian population resides, tried to promise the benefits 

of cost parity and global trade, to more and more of the people that 

live on less than $2—or $1.25 per day. 

Senator, I’ve seen figures that say 456 million Indians live on less that $1.25 a day. I think this is an opportunity, again, for our 

government, our businesses, our NGOs, microenterprise loans for 

the poor, to all work together to scale up some successful projects— 

not necessarily by the taxpayer, or also by the State Department, 

but through the private sector, to address this issue of poverty. 

It’s in our interest, as a great country, as a democracy, to grow 

the middle class in Indian—spiritually and economically, to see a 

middle class emerge there that can buy our products, exchange 

trade with the United States, it’s in the Indians’ interest to do this, 

and so, in terms of clean energy projects, poverty, agriculture 

projects—Perdue University, Indiana University, University of 

Notre Dame helping on some of these issues. Great institutions of 

higher learning, but also with experience on agricultural issues. 

I think that there are lots of points of leverage and scaling up 

that we could work on, Senator, and I really—as you and I worked 

together in the House and the Senate, I would welcome this opportunity to learn from you and see where the administration and the 

State Department can work with Congress on this. 

Senator LUGAR. Well, thank you, and I look forward to working 

together. 

Mr. ROEMER. Thank you, sir. 

25 

Senator LUGAR. Let me ask, Mr. Gray, about the election in 

Tunisia to be held in October. It’s anticipated that the President 

is expected to win, but what comments could you make on improvement in media access—campaign activities, for example, of others 

outside of the President and his party. And how can the political 

environment be improved with our assistance or our diplomacy. 

Mr. GRAY. Thank you for the question, Senator Lugar. 

As you’ve noted, the upcoming elections in October in Tunisia, 

provide us with the opportunity to encourage the Tunisian Government to increase their efforts in some of the areas in which—in his 

opening remarks, Senator Kerry rightly pointed out, they are lagging, and these include freedom of expression and access to the 

media. I am not aware of any significant improvements in that 

area, but of course would welcome them, and if confirmed, would 

work to see those enhanced. 

I think it is important that the American Embassy, from the 

Ambassador on down, in Tunisia, reinforce the President’s words 

and his commitment to human rights and beyond. These human 

rights don’t just stop on Election Day, of course, they continue past 

and include freedom of association, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. 

Thank you. 

Senator LUGAR. Well, thank you very much. And I know, from 

your own experience, that you will be skillful in working where 

there are opportunities, there. 

Mr. Schmierer, the United States has worked actively, and the 

State Department’s Annual Terrorism Report states that Oman, 

has proactively implemented counterterrorism strategies and cooperated with neighboring countries to prevent terrorists from moving freely throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Can you talk for a 

moment of some of the ways in which Oman has moved in that 

direction, what kind of cooperation they’ve had from us and what 

we can anticipate as a trend in that direction? 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, thank you for the question, Senator Lugar. 

There have been a number of areas where we have programs 

where we cooperate with Oman in terms of regional security 

efforts. These include, as was mentioned earlier, our Base Access 

Agreement, which allows us to have personnel come through, and 

those personnel typically provide training and other support for 

Omanis. 

We’ve been very engaged in terms of naval training and support. 

You may be aware that some of the piracy incidents now have become closer to Oman and so we’ve started an effort there to coordinate with them on training, in terms of counterterrorism activities. 

The southern port of Salalah is a secure container initiative pilot 

port in terms of making sure that goods being transshipped 

through there are properly inspected. 

So, there are a number of specific programs that we have, and 

the Omanis have been extremely open and extremely cooperative 

in working with us and in seeking whatever advice and support we 

can give them in this area. And that’s something that, should I be 

confirmed, I would want to promote very vigorously. 

26 

Senator LUGAR. Well, my next question was concerning the 

piracy proximity and Oman’s response that you—you anticipated 

that and responded. This is clearly a work in process. 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, the first incident to occur in Omani waters 

took place just a few weeks ago, and I think that has been a, sort 

of a wakeup call for everyone because this now brings it out of 

what has been the traditional areas. Oman has limited naval assets, but what assets it has it is using strongly to patrol its own 

waters, and cooperating with our Navy and with our private shipping companies to ensure that they can use Omani facilities to support our antipiracy efforts. So, it’s been a very cooperative relationship. 

Senator LUGAR. Thank you very much. 

Mr. Chairman. 

Senator KAUFMAN [presiding]. Senator Feingold. 

Senator FEINGOLD. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, very much. 

And I want to congratulate all the nominees, thank you for your 

willingness to serve our country. Once you’re confirmed, I look forward to working with each of you in your new role as Ambassador. 

Let me start with Mr. Roemer. We had a very good meeting, as 

we have on many other subjects over the years, and I am very 

pleased to see the President nominate you. 

Let me ask you a couple questions. The United States has a clear 

interest in improving counterterrorism cooperation between India 

and Pakistan. Pakistan could certainly do more, but as the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to India, what do you think are some 

steps that New Delhi could take to improve this relationship? 

Mr. ROEMER. Thank you for the question, Senator Feingold. And 

I, too, enjoyed the meeting that we had the other day and, if confirmed, look forward to working with you on the three or four questions that we specifically discussed. 

Senator, maybe this is one of the primary reasons why the President has selected me for this position, given my background on 

national security, my work on the Intelligence Committee, and my 

work on the 9/11 Commission. 

I think there is much that we can learn from the Indians. They 

have a great deal of experience with counterinsurgency and 

counterterrorism. I think there’s much that we can impart to them. 

We can help them with lessons learned from 9/11, from our attacks 

on New York City and the Pentagon, help them on issues of how 

to reorganize government. 

I mentioned this book by Nandan Nilekani, about imagining government—about imagining India in the future. He encourages 

India to improve their government and their government services, 

so that they are training for their police force and their local response to the next Mumbai attacks, if that happens, is better coordinated, there’s better communication between those forces. 

I think we can help them with soft targets and how to protect 

soft targets. I think intel-to-intel cooperation can be improved. I 

mentioned earlier in my remarks, military-to-military cooperation. 

There can be efforts on counterterrorism on the piracy issues. The 

Indians have a very strong naval presence and look to modernize 

their Navy. 

27 

With the piracy issues taking place right off the coast there in 

the Indian Ocean, there’s more that we can do with working groups 

and task forces, with our military and their military on this issue. 

There’s more we can do to share information about our common 

threats in that area, which are al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and 

Lashkar-e-Taiba, and try to prevent the next attack from taking 

place or deflect that next attack. 

So, there are lots of issues, I think, that we can work with. Our 

FBI has met with their top-level law enforcement people. I think 

better coordination and even more cross-training would be helpful, 

Senator. And if confirmed, I look forward to looking for even more 

creative ways to encourage this national security cooperation. 

Senator FEINGOLD. Congressman, you’ve obviously given this 

already a great deal of thought, and it’s a very impressive list of 

things you’re already thinking about. 

Let me completely switch to a different matter. As you know 

from our earlier meeting, I’m deeply concerned about a trade matter with respect to India, and that’s because I’m from the land of 

the Harley Davidsons, and we want to be able to sell those in 

India. Wisconsin, of course, is the home of Harley, but there’s a 60- 

percent tariff that India currently levies on certain imported motorcycles, including the premier motorcycle, Harley Davidson. 

Harley has built motorcycles in Milwaukee for over a century, 

and they see India as a promising export market, but the enormous 

tariff makes it basically impossible for them to enter the market. 

Harley is not, of course, looking for special treatment, they want 

a level playing field. What steps will you take to prioritize this, and 

just, as I indicated to you, I’ve already raised this directly when in 

India last year with a couple of the officials there. There is some 

reason to believe that this is something that could move. So, I’m 

wondering if you could comment on that? 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, Senator, this would be a priority for both this 

administration, and if I’m confirmed, for me as an ambassador. 

I hail from Senator Lugar’s State, in Indiana, where we have 

high unemployment, where we have manufacturing jobs that have 

bled out of our communities, where—I believe that the role of an 

ambassador in promoting U.S. business, fair and free access to new 

markets, to existing markets, is a key priority for the Ambassador 

to take on. And so, I think working with the Indians to remove 

some of their barriers to trade, their tariffs on trade, that would 

be a priority. 

As I mentioned to Senator Lugar earlier, I think the possibility, 

the potential of bilateral trade agreement is out there, including 

the DOHA round of trade to, again, balance fair and free trade in 

our countries so that we have access to new markets and we can 

have jobs here that export products overseas. 

So, Senator, I look forward to hopefully being confirmed and 

maybe possibly riding a motorcycle by Harley Davidson in New 

Delhi. 

Senator FEINGOLD. That will be well-received, both in New Delhi 

and in Milwaukee. 

Thank you. 

28 

I also had a question to you on civil nuclear deal, but I do want 

to have a chance to ask one question of Mr. Gray before my time 

runs out. 

Mr. Gray, I’m very pleased to see you appointed to this position. 

I’ve had a chance to visit Tunisia a couple of times, meet with the 

President that Senator Lugar referred to on a number of occasions, 

and I am pleased to hear your statement about keeping on these 

issues related to governance and human rights and other issues 

that I’ve had a chance to raise in the past. 

But what I do want to raise with you is the dramatic increase 

in AQIM activity in the region over the last year, including near 

the Tunisian border. And according to State, AQIM support cells 

have been discovered and/or dismantled in Tunisia. In fact, according to the ‘‘2008 Country Reports on Terrorism,’’ the Government 

of Tunisia continues, and I’m quoting here, ‘‘To place a high priority in combating extremism. In addition to using security and law 

enforcement measures, the Tunisian Government pursued a variety 

of economic and social programs aimed at addressing the underlying challenges that can contribute to the spread of extremism.’’ 

So, if you’re confirmed, how would you support this critical 

national security work without undermining—the other piece that 

we just referred to, the greater respect for the rule of law and 

human rights in Tunisia? 

Mr. GRAY. Thank you for the question, Senator. I don’t believe 

there’s an inherent contradiction between the promotion of the 

more transparent political system and greater political participation and our interest in fighting terrorism. And I think, in fact, 

they go hand to hand. I think when there’s greater political and social participation and sense of enfranchisement that that makes for 

a stronger country. 

In my opening statement, I quoted President Obama to that 

effect, from his Cairo speech. I think there are other ways that we 

can continue to work with our good counterterrorism relationship 

with the Government of Tunisia. Exchange of information is critical 

in tracking down and combating terrorists. The Department of 

State has training opportunities, such as the Bureau of Diplomatic 

Securities Antiterrorism Assistance Training Program, which the 

Tunisians have not taken full advantage of. 

And I also think that by strengthening existing institutions within the region, such as the Arab Maghreb Union, that would provide 

another mechanism for greater efficiency in fighting terrorists. 

Senator FEINGOLD. Thank you very much. 

Mr. Chairman. 

Senator KAUFMAN. I want to thank you all for volunteering for 

government service in this very special way that you have, and I 

want to compliment your families, especially, Congressman Roemer, your in-laws. I’d not met your wife, but she comes from good 

stock. 

What I’d like to ask, Congressman, start with you, is what areas 

do you think there are new areas of cooperation with India that we 

can explore while you’re Ambassador? 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, if confirmed Senator, and thank you for your 

nice comments about my father-in-law, he’s all right most of the 

time. 

29 

Senator KAUFMAN. And mother-in-law. 

Mr. ROEMER. She’s all right all the time. [Laughter.] 

There are a host of new areas that the President and the Secretary of State have laid out, that Congress has talked about, that 

Senator Lugar and Senator Kerry expressed, as areas that an ambassador could work with you and the executive branch to achieve 

some new goals. 

Some of those would include broader cooperation on national 

security issues and counterterrorism issues, broader cooperation on 

education initiatives, both at the higher education level and even 

at the elementary and secondary level. 

India has many, many fine institutions and higher institutions of 

learning. They also have many people that don’t have access to 

higher learning. And the United States, if we’re able to break 

through some laws that have prevented the joint ventures between 

our universities and their universities from taking place on Indian 

soil, there is a great deal that we can achieve on the education 

initiative. 

I mentioned climate change and clean energy in my opening remarks, that there are global, regional, and bilateral issues that we 

can work on that are brand new. And Senator Kerry was also mentioning his interest in jobs, as Senator Lugar was. How do we promote fair and free trade policies to create more jobs in the United 

States and increase our trade relationship with India? 

Finally, as is the case sometimes, and some of our strongest and 

best bilateral relationships, the people-to-people, the business-tobusiness, the school-to-school, we need to continue to encourage 

and grow that exchange. 

We have over 2 million Indian-Americans living in the United 

States; we have 94,000 Indian students in the United States. We 

need to send more of our students abroad to get this rich cultural 

experience, to see the growth and the diversity in India. And I 

think that’s an area, where it might not be brand new, but right 

now a lot of the exchange is coming our way; we need to make sure 

that it can go the other way as well, Senator. 

Senator KAUFMAN. Well, how do you think things are going to go 

with the recent economic reversals India spent, in terms of affecting future plans between the United States and India? 

Mr. ROEMER. Which ones, in particular, sir? 

Senator KAUFMAN. It’s just the fact that the market’s had a 

tough time over there, the economy is bad. I mean, it’s hard for 

them and making sacrifices when they’re in such bad financial 

shape. 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, the market in last couple days, as you note— 

correctly note, has taken a dip. Up to the last week, the market, 

I think, in India was up about 49 percent. The market reacted very 

favorably to the recent elections in April and May, and that has 

been one of the success stories for the last couple of years, that the 

Indian economy has been growing at 7, 8, 9 percent rates. 

I think, where the United States and the Indian Government can 

work together on trade relationships, increase the trade, increase 

the business opportunities, that can help our economies rely more 

on one another. 

30 

After all, Senator, here is one of the great democracies in the 

world. We trade with Vietnam, we trade with China. This is a tremendous opportunity for our people and for our businesses and for 

our economy to grow. 

So, I think they’re going to probably experience, over the next, 

you know, several years, some ups and downs in their market and 

in their growth rates, just as we have. I think two of the issues 

that the Obama administration and the Congress is spending so 

much of its time on right now—the global meltdown, the financial 

challenges in the world, and how to restructure that, and the terrorist attacks on Mumbai—are two areas where our country and 

the Government of India have rich possibilities to work together in 

strategic partnerships going forward. 

Senator KAUFMAN. And how about—you mentioned the recent 

elections—how do you think that will impact on United StatesIndia relations going forward? 

Mr. ROEMER. Well, if I’m confirmed, Senator, I think reaching 

out to all parties in India is extremely important. You mentioned 

the recent elections and the success of the Congress Party. This is 

a party that had been reaching out and establishing better and better connections to the U.S. Government. The Bush administration, 

and the Congress, I think, did an excellent job with the Civil 

Nuclear Agreement. That has built upon—a new foundation of 

trust between our two countries, where you can build new pillars 

in education and clean energy issues and climate issues and a 

green revolution. 

So, I think the foundation is there to improve this relationship 

and grow this relationship, and that’s one of the most exciting 

parts about being nominated as the next Ambassador. And if confirmed, I look forward to working with you in a host of these areas. 

Senator KAUFMAN. Thank you. 

Mr. Schmierer, how do you see relations—cooperation between 

Oman and Iran, in terms of how you would deal with that as 

Ambassador? 

Mr. SCHMIERER. Well, they do have a close relationship in terms 

of a cordial understanding and they do coordinate and consult. 

They also, of course, have a very strong relationship with the 

United States. 

And so, I think Oman being a close neighbor of Iran, and obviously interested in, and to some extent concerned about developments in Iran, wishes to maintain that kind of relationship. I think 

at the same time, shares the same kinds of concerns that we and 

others have about potential Iranian behavior, and particularly the 

potential for Iran becoming a nuclear State. 

And so, I think they are balancing the, sort of interest in having 

a good relationship with Iran with maintaining the kind of relationship with us and with our allies that would ensure that we can 

all work together to try to address the challenges that Iran faces. 

Senator KAUFMAN. Great. 

Mr. Gray, can you tell me a little about your objective with 

AFRICOM and the Tunisian military and how you see that 

working? 

Mr. GRAY. We’ve had a longstanding military relationship with 

the government—with the military, I should say, of Tunisia. It’s 

31 

very positive—on a very positive note, the military does not play 

a political role in Tunisia. 

Tunisian military equipment is of United States origin, so it’s a 

longstanding assistance program there. As AFRICOM stands up, it 

is reaching out to the militaries throughout the African Continent, 

including Tunisia. And Tunisia has been receptive to continuing cooperation with the United States military and with AFRICOM as 

the designated combatant command. 

Senator KAUFMAN. And now I want to say that the hearing is 

over. The record will be kept open until noon tomorrow, as the 

chairman said, and we have the ranking member here. We’ll do 

everything we can to move you through as quickly as possible. And 

again, I want to thank you and especially your families for your 

contribution. 

Thank you. 

[Whereupon, at 11:25 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.] 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

RESPONSES OF TIMOTHY J. ROEMER TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR JOHN F. KERRY

Question. As you know, Secretary Clinton will be visiting India very shortly. In 

her speech last month to the U.S.-India Business Council, Secretary Clinton spoke 

of ‘‘a dramatic expansion in our common agenda, and a greater role for India in solving global challenges’’—a vision that many of us wholeheartedly support. 

• What does Secretary Clinton hope to accomplish on her trip to India, and what 

short-term steps will the administration take to translate this vision into 

reality? 

Answer. Secretary Clinton looks forward to visiting India this month and hopes 

to agree on a wide-ranging series of joint projects and dialogues with the Indian 

Government. The exact nature of these projects are still under discussion with the 

Indian Government, but we hope to release a detailed joint statement during her 

trip that will outline concrete measures and means of taking the United StatesIndia relationship to the next level. 

Question. Many experts incorrectly expected a tight parliamentary race in the 

April–May elections in which neither the ruling Congress Party nor the BJP would 

win by a significant margin. Many predicted the elections would result in a fragmented, unstable coalition government where regional parties with local concerns 

would hold disproportionate sway. This is not what happened. 

• What factors does the administration believe influenced the outcome of the elections? Prime Minister Singh has in the past been a staunch proponent of 

strengthening United States-India ties. Do you agree with those that view the 

election results as providing continuity for bilateral relations? 

Answer. We have enormous respect for India’s democratic process, and look forward to working with all parties in India to move the United States-India relationship forward. Just like in this country, there is a broad political consensus within 

India, particularly among the Congress and BJP, in favor of a stronger United 

States-India relationship. The Congress Party victory was impressive and we look 

forward to continuing our close relationship with Prime Minister Singh and his 

government. 

Question. The U.S. Senate recently passed legislation to recast the United States 

relationship with the people and Government of Pakistan. Our belief is that this 

measure will help secure the long-term security of not only the United States and 

Pakistan—but of India as well. 

• If confirmed, how will you respond to those within India that have expressed 

concerns about U.S. aid to Pakistan? 

Answer. Indian officials have said that they share our interest in a stable and secure Pakistan and Afghanistan. Like the United States, India has an enormous 

stake in the long-term security of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We can respond to critVerDate Nov 24 2008 14:14 Apr 05, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 H:\DOCS\2009 NOMS GONE TO PRINT\65252.TXT SENFOR1 PsN: BETTY
32 

ics in India by focusing on our common goals and interests in Pakistan and explaining how our aid helps achieve those goals. 

Question. In your written testimony, you said you were ‘‘look[ing] forward to 

sharing with my Indian counterparts the lessons we learned from 9/11 as India 

addresses the aftermath of its own terrorist tragedy in Mumbai and as we work together to prevent other attacks from occurring.’’ 

• What are the lessons from 9/11, as you understand them, which may be relevant to India’s response to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai? 

Answer. September 11 was an event that changed the entire mindset of the 

United States toward terrorism and made us realize that we had to make major 

changes to our intelligence and law enforcement infrastructure to effectively combat 

the threat of another terrorist attack in the United States. The Mumbai attacks in 

November 2008 have had a similar impact on Indian society, and we can share the 

lessons we’ve learned in reorganizing U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies to help India in their own domestic counterterrorism efforts. 

Question. Many in the Senate, myself included, supported a civilian nuclear deal 

with India in part because we hoped and expected it would spur greater cooperation 

on nonproliferation. 

• What steps will you take to encourage India’s adherence to the guidelines of 

major nonproliferation regimes and its further cooperation with the administration’s nonproliferation agenda? 

Answer. The Indian Government has fully upheld its nonproliferation commitments under the Initiative—including adherence to and harmonization with the 

Missile Technology Control Regime and Nuclear Suppliers Group. As Indian Special 

Envoy Shyam Saran noted at the Brookings Institution in March, the Civil Nuclear 

Initiative has enabled India to look, ‘‘proactively and not defensively at a new global 

agenda for nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament.’’ The Indian Government has taken a number of recent steps reflecting this outlook; including issuing 

a strong statement condemning the recent North Korean nuclear test and continuing to oppose Iran’s obtaining nuclear weapons. Particularly after President 

Obama’s April 5, 2009, Prague speech, Indian officials have welcomed the administration’s positions on nonproliferation issues and signaled a willingness to partner 

with the United States in reducing WMD threats. We look forward to holding Strategic Stability talks soon, which will address nonproliferation regime issues and 

chart a way forward for enhanced cooperation on nonproliferation and disarmament 

issues. 

Question. What steps can we expect Prime Minister Singh’s government to take 

to promote peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka? If confirmed, how can we partner 

with India to support political reform in Sri Lanka and address pressing humanitarian needs? 

Answer. As we have done with our fellow cochair countries, we can engage with 

India and other regional partners to discuss issues such as coordinating reconstruction assistance in ways that will support peace and reconciliation. 

Soon after the end of the conflict, India’s National Security Advisor and Foreign 

Secretary visited Sri Lanka to convey their concerns about the humanitarian crisis. 

Both governments agreed that with the end of military operations, the Sri Lankan 

Government needed to focus its attention on relief, rehabilitation, returns and reconciliation, including a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka. 

The Indian Government has already provided $20 million dollars in relief aid to 

Sri Lanka. Following the National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary’s visit in 

May, they said they would send special envoys to Sri Lanka and provide an additional $105 million in aid to help in Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation efforts. Most recently 

in late June, following a meeting between Indian and Sri Lankan Government officials, the Indian Government facilitated the delivery of 900 tons of food and medicine from Tamils living abroad for internally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka via the 

Indian Red Cross. 

Question. Will you participate in the ongoing review over U.S. policy to Burma, 

and, if so, what input will you provide with regard to India’s role in improving conditions in that country? 

Answer. India is a sovereign nation and one of the leading democracies in the 

world. While it has its own unique relationship with its neighbors, it also understands the need to support democratic values and clearly understands the negative 

impact of unstable neighbors. 

33 

As Secretary Clinton announced in February, we believe it is time to reexamine 

how we can best influence Burma and encourage reform. If confirmed, I will engage 

with the Indians and seek their ideas on the most effective way to do so. 

Question. Nicholas Burns, the outgoing Under Secretary of State for Political 

Affairs, recently said that the United States should support India as a Permanent 

Member of the United Nations Security Council. Secretary Clinton’s June 17, 2009, 

speech to the U.S.-India Business Council perhaps hinted at the possibility, noting 

that as ‘‘other nations play an expanded role in resolving international security 

challenges, we should be prepared to adapt the architecture of international institutions to reflect their new responsibilities.’’ I understand that the administration is 

more generally reviewing Security Council reform. 

• What is the administration’s view regarding whether India should be invited as 

a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council? 

Answer. We believe that the long-term legitimacy and viability of the Security 

Council depend on it reflecting the world of the 21st century. We are committed to 

finding a way forward to enhance the Council’s ability to carry out its mandate in 

responding to threats to international peace and security in ways that will not diminish its effectiveness or its efficiency. 

We are open to hearing all proposals and views, but the administration has not 

completed its policy review on U.N. Security Council expansion so we do not yet 

have a position on specific proposals. No decision has been made about which countries we would support for a permanent seat on the UNSC. 

Question. Later this year will mark the 25-year anniversary of an accident at the 

Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India, that killed many thousands and 

now could well be harming a new generation of Bhopal residents due to contaminated groundwater. Some observers view the ongoing Bhopal litigation as a test 

case for future foreign investment in India, while to the victims, a timely resolution 

is a long overdue matter of fairness, compensation, and security. 

• What is the administration’s position on the ongoing cases in India and the 

United States? Are there nonlegal remedies and policies under review to 

address this longstanding issue? 

Answer. The administration has encouraged all parties involved to find a resolution to this longstanding issue. We hope they can find a way to remediate the accident site as soon as possible, in the interest of the health and welfare of the residents of Bhopal. 

Question. India has spent 6 years on the Tier 2 Watch List of the ‘‘Trafficking 

in Persons Report’’ of the Department of State. Recognizing that the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 created conditions 

for mandatory downgrade in tier rankings for countries that have been on the Tier 

2 Watch List for 2 years, how do you intend to incorporate more effective 

antitrafficking policy into your mission strategy? 

Answer. Secretary Clinton views the fight against human trafficking as a critical 

piece of our foreign policy agenda. India has laws in place, including laws that prohibit forced or bonded labor, including by children. We are encouraged by state-level 

efforts that resulted in the rescue of women and girls from commercial sexual exploitation and demonstrated India’s commitment to fighting sex trafficking. However, it could do more to address trafficking in the form of bonded labor. 

Trafficking demands a comprehensive approach based on the 4 Ps: protecting victims, prosecuting criminals, preventing trafficking, and building partnerships. My 

team and I will work closely with Washington and Indian officials to advance these 

goals through direct diplomacy and public awareness raising. We hope that India 

will focus increased attention on (1) empowerment of a national-level law enforcement authority to conduct antitrafficking investigations and prosecutions; (2) law 

enforcement efforts against the significant bonded labor problem; and (3) law enforcement activity against government complicity in trafficking. This approach to 

addressing India’s trafficking in persons problem is already incorporated into our 

mission strategy and will be used as a basis for our ongoing discussions with the 

Government of India. I look forward to continuing to work with the Government of 

India in its efforts to combat trafficking in persons. 

34 

RESPONSES OF RICHARD J. SCHMIERER TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR JOHN F. KERRY

Question. During her rollout of the 2009 TIP Report, Secretary Clinton emphasized the need to build effective partnerships in the fight against human trafficking. 

With respect to Oman’s progress from Tier 3 to Tier 2 on the ‘‘2009 Trafficking in 

Persons Report’’ of the Department of State, what steps will you take to promote 

a positive and collaborative approach to human trafficking in Oman? At what level 

of priority will you place antitrafficking programs and diplomacy within your overall 

mission performance plan? 

Answer. Secretary Clinton views the fight against human trafficking as a critical 

piece of our foreign policy agenda. Trafficking demands a comprehensive approach 

based on the 4 Ps: protecting victims, prosecuting criminals, preventing slavery, and 

building partnerships. Oman made progress during the past year to combat trafficking in persons, and was upgraded to Tier 2 in the 2009 TIP Report as a result. 

The government enacted antitrafficking legislation and prosecuted its first case 

under this new law in early 2009. I look forward to continuing to work with the 

Omani Government in its efforts to combat trafficking in persons. Key components 

of these efforts where I can play an important role are promoting Oman’s public efforts to make society aware of the problem and engaging the citizenry in combating 

it as well as direct diplomacy with the Government of Oman. 

Question. You are one of the Department’s highest ranking public diplomacy officers, and represent only a handful of public diplomacy officers to be offered an ambassadorship. How do you plan to incorporate your expertise in public diplomacy 

into your work as Chief of Mission? How does a public diplomacy background help 

you in this job? 

Answer. Should I be confirmed, I believe that my public diplomacy background 

will be a valuable asset in discharging my duties as Ambassador to Oman. Through 

my public diplomacy experience I have had the opportunity to develop and implement a variety of programs and activities which are important aspects of the current U.S. engagement in Oman, from youth outreach, to civil society promotion, to 

media engagement and educational exchange. In my Foreign Service work I have 

also had the opportunity to lead large, diverse staffs in conducting the range of public diplomacy programs undertaken by U.S. missions abroad. I would welcome the 

opportunity to apply the expertise and experience I have gained through my public 

diplomacy work during my Foreign Service career to leading the excellent staff at 

our Mission in Oman and to contributing to the development and delivery of the 

range of important programs which lie at the heart of our diplomatic engagement 

in Oman. 

Question. Normalization of Relations Between Arab States and Israel: Arab steps 

toward normalization with Israel are an important signal of good faith to stabilize 

the Middle East and encourage Israel to take its own steps toward peace. What specific steps do you believe Oman can take toward normalization? And what steps do 

you believe the United States can and should take to encourage movement in that 

direction? 

Answer. Oman participated in the Annapolis summit in November 2007 and the 

Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs has met with Israeli officials, including with then-FM Tzipi Livni in April 2008 to discuss potential areas for 

progress on MEPP. While Oman does not have full diplomatic relations with Israel, 

Omani officials meet regularly with Israelis and Oman hosts the Middle East Desalinization Research Center (MEDRC), which includes Israel and the Palestinian 

Authority. MEDRC, and centers like it, are important building blocks that promote 

exchanges and dialogue and provide one of the many steps necessary in the path 

toward the Arab world normalizing its relationship with Israel. If confirmed, I will 

continue to work with the Omani Government to find additional steps that they can 

take in this direction. 

Question. Stability in the Strait of Hormuz: 20 percent of oil traded globally—and 

40 percent of all seaborne traded oil—flows through the Strait of Hormuz. America 

has no military-to-military contacts with Iran, and a history of military cooperation 

with Oman. What is Oman’s military-to-military relationship with Iran? Is there a 

role Oman can play in helping to promote stability in the Strait of Hormuz? 

Answer. At the closest point, Oman is only 19 miles away for Iran, and this proximity explains the historical geographic, commercial, and cultural ties between the 

two countries. The two countries share responsibility for ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and they do cooperate in this regard. Oman also 

cooperates with the U.S. military, in particular, the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet based 

35 

in Bahrain to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. The 

United States-Oman military relationship continues to strengthen based on our mutual interest to sustain regional stability and security. 

RESPONSES OF GORDON GRAY TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY SENATOR JOHN F. KERRY

Question. Human Rights and Political Liberties: Despite progress on women’s 

rights, Tunisia continues to have a poor human rights record and a very restricted 

political space. Will you commit to intensively engaging President Ben Ali and his 

government on improving Tunisia’s human rights and political liberties? 

Answer. If confirmed, I am firmly committed to work in partnership with President Ben Ali and the Government of Tunisia to improve human rights and political 

liberties—including the fundamental freedoms of expression and association. 

Question. Normalization of Relations Between Arab States and Israel: Arab steps 

toward normalization with Israel are an important signal of good faith to stabilize 

the Middle East and encourage Israel to take its own steps toward peace. What specific steps do you believe Tunis can take toward normalization? And what steps do 

you believe the United States can and should take to encourage movement in that 

direction? 

Answer. Tunisia has long been a voice for moderation in the Maghreb region. As 

you noted in your opening remarks at the nomination hearing, Tunisia hosted an 

Israeli Interests Office until 2000 and in 2005 Israel’s Foreign Minister visited Tunisia. Subsequently, Tunisian Foreign Minister Abdullah participated in the Annapolis Peace Conference in November 2007 and Senator Mitchell held productive talks 

with the Tunisian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in April 2009. 

As President Obama explained in his June 4 Cairo speech, however, ‘‘Arab States 

must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative is a beginning, not an end.’’ If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress in identifying practical steps Tunisia can take in line with its moderate stance on this key issue. 

Question. Tunisia debuted on the 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report of the Department of State on Tier 2 Watch List, the report’s second-worst category. How do 

you intend to incorporate antitrafficking policy into your mission strategy? In your 

view, what are the most significant issues or challenges of the human trafficking 

problem in Tunisia? How can these challenges be overcome? 

Answer. Tunisia was placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it did not show evidence 

of progress in proactively identifying or protecting victims of trafficking or raising 

public awareness of human trafficking over the past year. Human trafficking is not 

perceived to be a problem in Tunisia; it is possible that victims of trafficking remain 

undetected because of a lack of effort to identify them among vulnerable groups. The 

U.S. Government is encouraging Tunisia to utilize existing criminal statutes on 

forced labor and forced prostitution to investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses 

and convict and punish trafficking offenders; undertake a baseline assessment to 

better understand the scope and magnitude of the human trafficking problem; draft 

and enact legislation that prohibits and adequately punishes all forms of human 

trafficking; and institute a formal victim identification mechanism to identify and 

refer trafficking victims to protection services. 

Question. During her rollout of the 2009 TIP Report, Secretary Clinton emphasized the need to build effective partnerships in the fight against human trafficking. 

The role of diplomacy, early and often, is vital in building such bridges. How will 

you use diplomacy to create partnerships with the GOT and civil society groups in 

the common fight against trafficking? 

Answer. The Obama administration views the fight against human trafficking as 

a critical piece of our foreign policy agenda. Trafficking demands a comprehensive 

approach based on the 4 Ps: protecting victims, prosecuting criminals, preventing 

slavery, and building partnerships. If confirmed, I pledge to work vigorously with 

U.S. and Tunisian officials to advance these goals through direct diplomacy and 

public awareness raising. 

RESPONSES OF TIMOTHY J. ROEMER TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR RICHARD G. LUGAR

Question. The Senate recently passed the Kerry-Lugar Enhanced Partnership 

with Pakistan Act with unanimous consent, a bill which authorizes $1.5 billion in 

annual U.S. assistance for the next 5 years. This assistance is intended to broaden 

36 

and strengthen our relationship with Pakistan at a critical time for both our countries, through an emphasis on economic assistance. While India is not a recipient 

of major U.S. assistance it is a significant ally in the region and U.S. support to 

Pakistan will often be viewed as contrary to India’s interests. 

• How can U.S. economic assistance to Pakistan help foster improved relations 

between Pakistan and India? 

Answer. Strengthening Pakistan’s economy is critical for the creation of a stable 

and prosperous Pakistan. Indian officials have said they share our goal of a stable 

and democratic Pakistan, free from violent extremism. U.S. economic assistance to 

Pakistan will help us reach this shared goal and improve relations between India 

and Pakistan. 

• The priority of concluding an Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement 

was elevated during the recent visit of President Zardari to the United States. 

How would such an agreement enable trade between India and central Asia and 

how would it benefit Pakistan? 

Answer. A transit trade agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan would facilitate movement of goods to and from Afghanistan and help it connect to markets 

and suppliers beyond its immediate neighbors. Pakistan would also have improved 

transit rights to access Central Asia. Transit to and from India by road is a subject 

of these bilateral talks which could also be affected by the improvements in relations between Pakistan and India. Better economic links between these three countries could lead to better political ties. South and Central Asia is one of the world’s 

least integrated regions at this point, and there is significant room for improvement 

that would stimulate economic growth, if political tensions and transit trade issues 

can be sorted out. A more integrated South and Central Asia is in the U.S. interest 

as it would promote regional peace and security. 

Question. Some suggest the United States should not attempt to mediate directly 

on the corrosive Kashmir issue. This is despite the fact that Kashmir remains the 

prime justification for military and militant opportunism. The Mumbai attacks highlight the control nongovernmental actors have on a critical geopolitical relationship. 

• How and when can the United States best provide support to a resolution of 

the Kashmir issue? 

Answer. We have consistently supported bilateral dialogue between India and 

Pakistan that seeks to resolve their outstanding differences. That dialogue made 

some important progress before the Mumbai attacks including improving trade and 

communication and advancing people-to-people ties between these two important 

countries. The June 2009 meeting between Indian Prime Minister Singh and Pakistani President Zardari in Russia was encouraging in that it marked the resumption 

of high-level engagement in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. We hope that dialogue can be resumed and the two countries will continue to make progress. Reducing tensions between India and Pakistan is both in their interests and ours. 

The United States does not seek a mediator role in Kashmir, but we encourage 

high-level dialogue between Pakistani and Indian officials and a settlement between 

that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. 

Question. How, specifically, can the United States and India work together to address the humanitarian needs and post-conflict transition in Sri Lanka? 

Answer. As we do with our fellow cochair countries, we engage with India to address humanitarian concerns and discuss issues such as coordinating reconstruction 

assistance in ways that will support peace and reconciliation. The Government of 

India has an active dialogue with the Sri Lankan Government and has already 

pledged significant humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Sri Lanka. 

Soon after the end of the conflict, India’s National Security Advisor and Foreign 

Secretary visited Sri Lanka to convey their concerns about the humanitarian crisis. 

Both governments agreed that with the end of military operations, the Sri Lankan 

Government needed to focus its attention on relief, rehabilitation, return of internally displaced persons, and reconciliation, including a permanent political solution 

to minority grievances. 

The Indian Government has already provided $20 million in relief aid to Sri 

Lanka. Following the National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary’s visit in 

May, the Indian Government announced that it would send special envoys to Sri 

Lanka and provide an additional $105 million in aid to help in Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation efforts. 

Most recently in late June, following a meeting between Indian and Sri Lankan 

Government officials, the Indian Government facilitated the delivery of 900 tons of 

37 

food and medicine from Tamils living abroad for internally displaced Tamils in Sri 

Lanka via the Indian Red Cross. 

Question. According to the World Bank’s 2008 World Development Indicators supplement, 828 million Indians live on less than $2 a day—the median poverty line 

for developing countries. What more should be done to combat poverty in India? 

Specifically, what more should be done by the Indian Government, the U.S. Government, the development banks, aid agencies and the private sector? 

Answer. Continuing economic reforms to open the Indian economy further to investment and focusing assistance on rural development, education, health, and rural 

and urban infrastructure will lay the groundwork for long-term growth, create jobs 

to pull Indian citizens out of poverty, and provide opportunities to its citizens. 

The United States Government provides $100 million in development assistance— 

particularly for health and agricultural productivity. Beyond assistance, increased 

United States-Indian cooperation, both public and private, can spur innovation—in 

agricultural productivity, greener technologies, disease prevention—that will help 

bring sustainable development and prosperity to more Indians. 

Question. As of 2006, polio remains endemic in only four countries: Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. What role should the U.S. Government have in 

strengthening their vaccination India’s programs? 

Answer. The United States already supports the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and India’s National Polio Surveillance Project, which provide high-quality surveillance, technical advice, and leadership for immunization campaigns. Combined, 

these efforts help the Government of India better target limited resources toward 

eradication. The United States and the entire global health community have invested $4.5 billion in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and complete elimination of the disease is a real possibility. India is committed to polio eradication and 

Prime Minister Singh reaffirmed his commitment to the Director of the World 

Health Organization in 2007. If I am confirmed, working with India to improve their 

technical capacity and maintain their strong commitment to eradicate polio will remain a high priority. 

Question. What steps, if any, must still be undertaken on the Indian side in order 

to implement United StatesUnited States-Indian nuclear cooperation pursuant to 

the U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement? 

Answer. Pursuant to U.S. law (Pub. Law 110–369), before the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission can issue licenses for U.S. nuclear exports to India, the President must 

certify that India’s safeguards agreement has entered into force and that India’s 

declaration of its nuclear facilities ‘‘is not materially inconsistent with the facilities 

and schedule′′ described in its 2006 Separation Plan. On May 11, 2009, the Indian 

Government entered into force its ‘‘umbrella’’ safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and signed its Additional Protocol. India still 

must file a declaration of safeguarded facilities that is consistent with its 2006 Separation Plan. We expect the Indian Government to complete this step soon. 

Question. If confirmed as our ambassador to New Delhi, do you commit not only 

to continuing the work of the previous administration on United States-Indian civilian nuclear trade but also to ensuring Indian compliance with its nonproliferation 

commitments and the requirements of U.S. law? 

Answer. The administration strongly supports the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative and is working at all levels to help make civil nuclear trade with India a 

reality. The Indian Government has fully upheld its nonproliferation commitments 

under the Initiative and also has taken steps to assume an expanded international 

leadership role on nonproliferation issues. Particularly after President Obama’s 

April 5, 2009, Prague speech, Indian officials have welcomed the administration’s 

positions on nonproliferation issues and signaled a willingness to partner with the 

United States in reducing weapons of mass destruction threats. 

Question. Has the Government of India confirmed the selection of any U.S. firms 

for contracts with its civilian nuclear sector since congressional approval of the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement? 

Answer. With parliamentary elections concluded, we are hopeful the Indian Government is now in a position to publicly announce nuclear reactor park sites designated for U.S. firms. In the months since the U.S.-India Agreement has entered 

into force we have seen expanded private sector ties between the U.S. and Indian 

civil nuclear sectors, however no licenses have yet been issued pursuant to the 

agreement. As noted in a previous question, the Indian Government still must file 

38 

a declaration of safeguarded facilities with the IAEA before the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission can issue licenses for U.S. nuclear exports to India. 

Question. The bipartisan Commission for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, on which you served as a Commissioner, 

noted in its final report that, ‘‘The recently concluded U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement may significantly affect Asian security, and the next President 

will have to manage the actions that states may take in response to the agreement. 

The President should begin by conducting a comprehensive, all-source assessment 

of the agreement’s impact on nuclear weapons programs in the region.’’ 

• In your view, how does the nuclear deal ‘‘significantly affect Asian security?’’ 

Answer. We do not believe that enhanced cooperation with India in the civil 

nuclear sector or greater use of nuclear reactors to produce energy for the Indian 

people has or will contribute to significantly affect Asian security nor accelerate a 

regional arms race. We have kept the Pakistani Government informed about our 

discussions with India at every appropriate stage. Moreover, both India and Pakistan have publicly and privately indicated their unilateral commitments to pursue 

only what they term credible minimum deterrents. Any potential for an Indo-Pakistani arms competition will be determined by bilateral relations between India and 

Pakistan. 

As Indian Special Envoy Shyam Saran noted at a Brookings Institution event in 

March, the Civil Nuclear Initiative has enabled India to look, ‘‘proactively and not 

defensively at a new global agenda for nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament.’’ The Indian Government has taken a number of recent steps reflecting 

this outlook; including issuing a strong statement condemning the recent North Korean nuclear test and continuing to oppose Iran’s obtaining nuclear weapons. 

• How, in your view, is the present administration managing the actions that 

other states have taken in response to the agreement? 

Answer. The United States supported an exception for India to the Nuclear Suppliers Group guidelines based on India’s unique circumstances. The factors that 

made the Initiative appropriate in India’s case are not similarly manifest in other 

cases. The United States continues to view India as a special case by virtue of its 

real and growing energy needs, its solid nuclear nonproliferation export record, and 

its enhanced nonproliferation commitments that have resulted in a net gain for the 

global nonproliferation regime. 

• Has the Obama administration responded to the Commission’s recommendation 

and carried out ‘‘a comprehensive, all-source assessment of the agreement’s impact on nuclear weapons programs in the region.’’ 

Answer. Policy assessments regarding the Obama administration’s approach for 

this and other issues are still underway. Once reviews are completed, we will keep 

relevant congressional committees fully informed of policies and efforts on this 

issue. 

• If the Obama administration has not responded to the Commission’s recommendation and carried out ‘‘a comprehensive, all-source assessment of the 

agreement’s impact on nuclear weapons programs in the region,’’ do you believe 

that it should still undertake such a review? 

Answer. Policy assessments regarding the Obama administration’s approach for 

this and other issues are still underway. Once reviews are completed, we will keep 

relevant congressional committees fully informed of policies and efforts on this 

issue. 

• If confirmed as ambassador, do you intend to recommend ‘‘a comprehensive, allsource assessment of the agreement’s impact on nuclear weapons programs in 

the region’’ be undertaken? 

Answer. Policy assessments regarding the Obama administration’s approach for 

this and other issues are still underway. Once reviews are completed, we will keep 

relevant congressional committees fully informed of policies and efforts on this 

issue. 

Question. The Commission also stated that ‘‘Pakistan believes that it is surrounded by security threats—and U.S. cooperation with India in defense and strategic technology sharing has exacerbated this perception.’’ 

• How, in your view, should the United States strike the right balance between 

supporting India’s legitimate defense needs and the imperatives of regional stability? Are there certain weapons or other technologies the United States should 

39 

sell neither to India nor Pakistan, or work to discourage other nations from selling to either country? 

Answer. The Department of State carefully weighs regional stability and security 

concerns before approving foreign military sales of defense articles and before granting export licenses for defense articles. India and Pakistan both have legitimate defense needs, and it is in the U.S. interest to build our defense and security relationships with both countries, including sales. The U.S. Government does not approve 

defense sales that would alter the regional balance of power. 

Question. Recently, the Government of India insisted on special arrangements for 

U.S. defense technology it acquires from the United States, rejecting standard terms 

and conditions applied in such sales on end use monitoring (EUM). It stated that 

it believed such restrictions were infringements on India’s sovereignty. After recent 

elections in India, the committee was assured that the administration would be successful in assuaging Indian concerns and that future sales would be compliant with 

U.S. law through conclusion of an agreement with India on EUM. 

• What is the status of efforts to conclude an agreement with India on end-use 

monitoring? 

Answer. We are working on End Use Monitoring Language with India, and are 

close to resolving our outstanding differences in a way that meets the requirements 

of U.S. law and respects Indian sensitivities. 

• Will the administration share text of any final agreement with India on enduse monitoring with the committee? 

Answer. Yes, the administration will share the final end-use monitoring agreement with India with the committee. 

RESPONSES OF RICHARD J. SCHMIERER TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR RICHARD G. LUGAR

Question. What is your assessment about the possibility of a resurgence of Al 

Qaeda Arabian Peninsula or A.Q.A.P. as havens in Iraq and Afghanistan are 

squeezed? What is the estimate of AQAP’s strength in numbers, and what is the 

trend? Is U.S. assistance preparing Omani security forces for these challenges, 

whether in Oman, or more possibly across the border in Yemen, and if so, how? 

Answer. Oman does not have a significant AQAP presence, though the resurgence 

of al-Qaeda in Yemen and other parts of the Middle East is very concerning and 

we are active throughout the region in working with our partners to combat terrorism and violent extremist messaging. Oman proactively implements counterterrorism strategies and cooperates with neighboring countries to prevent terrorists 

from entering or moving freely throughout the Arabian Peninsula. 

Oman’s long coastline and relatively porous borders do remain vulnerable to illegal transit by migrant workers, smugglers, human trafficking victims, terrorists, 

and individuals involved in the traffic and sale of illegal drugs. The Omani Government actively seeks training and equipment through the U.S. and British military 

to support its efforts to control its land and maritime borders. U.S. military assistance has been used to bolster coastal patrol operations and make Oman’s remote 

inland borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE less porous and easier to 

monitor. 

Question. Of the Gulf States, Oman is perceived as politically closest to and the 

least critical of Iran, and Sultan Qaboos was slated to visit Tehran last week, but 

postponed the visit. How do you assess the relationship between Oman and Iran? 

Are Omanis concerned by Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons? How will you approach 

U.S. interests with respect to Iran in Muscat? 

Answer. At the closest point, Oman is only 19 miles away from Iran, and this 

proximity explains the historical geographic, commercial, and cultural ties between 

the two countries. They also share responsibility for ensuring freedom of navigation 

in the Strait of Hormuz, and thus they do communicate and cooperate in some 

areas. That being said, Oman conducts an independent foreign policy. I believe that 

the Government of Oman and the Omani people are concerned by the heavy-handed 

and antidemocratic tactics the Iranian Government has used to quash dissent. 

We are working with our allies and friends, including our gulf partners, to address the potential nuclear threat posed by Iran. Oman, like all Iran’s neighbors, 

has raised concerns about the destabilizing effects a nuclear-armed Iran would have 

on the region, particularly given Oman’s long-time support for a nuclear-free Middle 

East. 

40 

If confirmed, I will work to ensure that Oman remains supportive of international 

sanctions, and continues to adhere to its commitments to international peace and 

security. 

Question. A May 16 New York Times article noted that ‘‘Oman has for years 

helped Iranian smugglers circumvent international trade sanctions.’’ What steps can 

the United States take to secure greater cooperation of smaller states like Oman 

in a sanctions effort against the Iranian regime? 

Answer. I read with great interest this article on Oman. The report notes that 

the items being smuggled to Iran included: ‘‘food, clothing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, air-conditioners, even motorcycles.’’ If confirmed, I intend to ensure that 

the government continues to enforce all of its international obligations. 

Question. Have the recent pirate attacks within Oman’s territorial waters resulted 

in any counterpiracy activity by the Omanis? Is there a potential role for Oman in 

facing the broader, regional, piracy challenge? What role, if any, might Oman play 

in handling individuals that have been captured in the act of piracy, as we look for 

regional allies willing to bring them to justice ashore? 

Answer. Piracy is an international scourge that threatens legitimate commerce 

and freedom of navigation throughout the region. The first act of piracy in Omani 

territorial waters did occur in June. While, like many countries, Oman does not 

have an appropriate legal regime to prosecute and incarcerate potential pirates from 

third countries, the Omani Navy and Royal Police/ Coast Guard are working to improve their capacity to deter and prevent pirate attacks, in part through USG security assistance. Oman is a member of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast 

of Somalia and the International Maritime Organization and works with us in seeking international consensus on our efforts to combat this problem. 

The port of Salalah in Oman serves as a major transshipment hub, and has become a safe harbor for ships transiting the Gulf of Aden and Bab el Mandeb. 

RESPONSES OF GORDON GRAY TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR RICHARD G. LUGAR

Question. In October, Tunisia will hold elections and the President, Zine elAbidine Ben Ali, is expected to win. His last victory 5 years ago garnered 95 percent 

of the vote. 

• How would you describe the political environment and the opportunity for 

media access and campaign activities for all candidates or parties? 

Answer. Following his reelection in 2004, President Ben Ali promised Tunisian 

citizens that he would open the country to a ‘‘diversity of opinion’’ and encouraged 

the national press to be bold in expressing dissent. President Ben Ali and Government of Tunisia officials have also pointed out that opposition parties were only 

legalized under his leadership and their representation in Parliament now amounts 

to 20 percent and will rise to 25 percent after the October elections. 

Further reforms are needed, however. Indeed, Tunisia’s own National Elections 

Observatory came out with a series of proposed elections-related reforms following 

the 2004 elections. One key recommendation was for improved media access for opposition figures. In the runup to elections, some reforms and policy changes have 

allowed some opposition parties increased access to public space, as well as increased media coverage. Many Tunisians have expressed the hope that such reforms 

will continue and allow for a more level playing field in October 2009. If I am confirmed, I will encourage the Government of Tunisia to allow free and open debate, 

during the campaign and beyond. 

• Has the United States seen a willingness by the government to improve the political environment as well as reform areas of governance? If so, describe the 

opportunities for U.S. diplomacy to engender further improvements. If not, 

please describe what obstacles or further explanation there is for the lack of 

progress in this area. 

Answer. Although the GOT has affirmed its commitment to freedom of expression 

and dissent at the highest levels, there continue to be substantial controls on the 

media, including the Internet. On World Press Freedom Day of this year, Tunisian 

President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali affirmed the Tunisian Government’s view of ‘‘freedom of speech as a fundamental human right.’’ If I am confirmed, I will work vigorously to promote the fundamental right of freedom of expression. 

U.S. diplomacy can encourage further progress by continuing to urge the Government of Tunisia to enact structural changes to expand the freedom of the press and 

41 

the rights of Tunisian citizens through programs to enhance the rule of law, judicial 

independence, and good governance in Tunisia. We can also play a constructive role 

by working in partnership with Tunisian civil society to educate activists, particularly women’s groups and youth, on the importance of civic participation. 

Question. There is considerable access to education, even higher education, for the 

young men and women of Tunisia, however, there are few jobs to employ them upon 

graduation and there is also increasing political frustration that few can help to determine the growth and direction of their country. 

• How should the United States encourage the government to provide opportunities for their well-educated young graduates? 

Answer. Full liberalization of the Tunisian economy will not only increase U.S. 

trade and investment, but will stimulate the development of a robust private sector 

and promote continued economic growth and stability—which will in turn provide 

much-needed jobs and professional growth opportunities for young, well-educated 

Tunisians. If confirmed, I will use the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement 

as a platform to encourage the Government of Tunisia to continue to diversify its 

economy. 

• How should the United States engage to build an economic environment that 

will result in mutual gains for our two countries? 

Answer. U.S. Government programs in Tunisia are seeking to increase private 

sector competitiveness by developing entrepreneurial skills among recent university 

graduates and by promoting regulatory reforms that support small- and mediumsized businesses. For example, a new project under the Commercial Law Development Program at the Department of Commerce will work with the newly created 

Tunisian Agency for Research and Innovation to increase the effectiveness of research and development, promote entrepreneurship and economic liberalization, and 

improve economic oversight and transparency. If confirmed, I will commit to working with the Government of Tunisia to promote educational exchanges that will be 

of great benefit to both American and Tunisians alike. 

Question. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has been a regional threat and Tunisia has taken strong action to limit the influence of extremists. 

• How effective is the cooperation among member-states of the Maghreb Union 

in fighting extremist and terrorist activities? 

Answer. The United States and Tunisia want to strengthen the Arab Maghreb 

Union (AMU), which consists of Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and Mauritania 

and whose Secretary General is a former Tunisian Foreign Minister. To date, the 

State Department has hosted one recent session with AMU member states where 

security issues were discussed. The situation in Mauritania has prevented more rigorous U.S. Government engagement with the AMU; however, when Mauritania returns to constitutional rule, the AMU could be an appropriate venue through which 

to engage the Maghreb region as a whole, particularly on critical issues such as 

counterterrorism. 

• What areas of bilateral cooperation could be improved? 

Answer. Tunisia is a solid partner in international efforts to thwart al-Qaeda in 

the Islamic Maghreb. Tunisia’s commitment to combat terrorist activity, both domestically and throughout the region, is evidenced through its membership in the 

Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). The recent kidnapping and 

movement of hostages throughout North Africa and the Sahel starkly underscore 

the importance of strong border security. Membership in TSCTP has made Tunisia 

eligible for additional funding for civil and military training, exchanges, and resources that can support Tunisia’s ability to counteract terrorist threats. If confirmed, I will urge the Government of Tunisia to take advantage of these opportunities and others. In particular, I would encourage the Government of Tunisia to take 

advantage of Diplomatic Security’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program. I will also 

continue to emphasize the importance of timely threat information sharing, particularly as it involves threats against USG interests. 

Question. There is a U.S.-accredited school in Tunis—the American Cooperative 

School of Tunisia. 

• What is the state of play of negotiations with the Government of Tunisia over 

the status of the school, and in particular the Tunisian tax authority’s assessment of back taxes? 

Answer. The viability of the American Cooperative School of Tunis (ACST) is currently threatened from an unexpected tax assessment and effort by the Government 

42 

of Tunisia to change the terms of its lease agreement. At the request of the Government of Tunisia, in early May the State Department dispatched a delegation of experts from the Bureau of Legal Affairs, the Office of Overseas Schools, the Office 

of Foreign Missions, and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs to Tunis. The delegation, which also included officials from the American Embassy in Tunis, held negotiations with the Tunisian Ministry of Finance on the Tunisian tax authority’s 

assessment of back taxes and on the overall legal status of the school in Tunisia. 

The Department and the Government of Tunisia have reached a tentative agreement to resolve the tax issue; however, there is still work to be done. If confirmed, 

I will place a very high priority on resolving pending issues and ensuring the viability of the school. 

• What can you tell this committee about steps the administration is taking to 

make sure that the GOT understands the importance that the USG attaches 

to this school? 

Answer. The status and future of the American Cooperative School of Tunisia 

(ACST) is a high priority for the administration and an important symbol of goodwill in our overall bilateral relationship with Tunisia. The school has served the 

American and international community in Tunisia for 50 years and, given the fact 

that it is the only English-language school in Tunis, its ability to remain open is 

likely to have a major impact on the official USG presence in Tunisia. In addition 

to dispatching a delegation to Tunisia for face-to-face negotiations with the Tunisian 

Ministry of Finance, we have raised the issue of the school at the highest levels of 

the Tunisian Government both in Washington and Tunis. We have noted to the Government of Tunisia that if not resolved, this issue could negatively affect relations 

between our two countries. 

• What will you do to ensure the school can continue to operate? 

Answer. If I am confirmed, I will continue the work begun under Ambassador 

Godec to ensure that resolution of this issue remains at the top our bilateral agenda 

with Tunisia. I look forward to working with the Government of Tunisia and with 

our leadership in Washington to resolve the school’s status and associated issues in 

order to secure the future of the school for future generations of students. 

Question. Near the capital, Tunis, lies the North Africa American Cemetery and 

Memorial that was established following World War II, one of 24 American cemeteries abroad and one of the few outside of Europe. 

• How are tourists made aware of this monument and what prospects are there 

for sustaining this important memorial? 

Answer. The North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial receives thousands 

of American, Tunisian, and third country visitors every year. It is a symbol of the 

strong, longstanding bond of friendship between Tunisia and the United States. If 

confirmed, I am committed to working with the Government of Tunisia to continue 

to ensure the safety and preservation of the Cemetery, Memorial, and grounds. 

U.S. Government Web sites as well as commercial travel Web sites and commercial travel Web sites advertise the Memorial; the Tunisian tourism office also promotes it as a key cultural heritage landmark. If confirmed, I will work hard to promote and preserve this important memorial to our fallen heroes. 

RESPONSES OF TIMOTHY J. ROEMER TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR RUSSELL D. FEINGOLD

CIVIL NUCLEAR DEAL

Question. I opposed the India-U.S. civil nuclear deal because it raised serious nonproliferation concerns even though I recognize the significance of this deal in 

strengthening our bilateral relationship with India. 

• How do you think this deal impacts our relationship with Pakistan and, if confirmed, what role will you play in persuading New Delhi to uphold its commitment to adhere to Nuclear Supplier Group’s export control guidelines? 

Answer. The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative with India has not impacted our 

cooperation or relationship with Pakistan. While Pakistani officials have expressed 

concerns about the Initiative, we have been clear that the Initiative involves only 

civil nuclear cooperation, that it does not address Indian nuclear military capabilities, that India’s growing energy demand is exceptional, and that India has developed a solid nuclear nonproliferation export record over the years. These discussions 

have been set in the framework of our consistent position that our relationships 

43 

with India and Pakistan are different, because each involves different needs and opportunities. We explain that we seek good relations with all partners in the region 

to strengthen peace, security, and prosperity. 

Regarding India and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG ) Guidelines, India committed under the July 18, 2005, joint statement, which launched the Civil Nuclear 

Cooperation Initiative, to harmonize its export controls with and unilaterally adhere 

to the NSG Guidelines. India stated its adherence to the NSG and its annexes in 

a letter dated September 8, 2008, to Dr. Mohammed ElBaradei, then-Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In a September 5, 2008, statement, 

then-External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee stated, ‘‘India has taken the 

necessary steps to secure nuclear materials and technology through comprehensive 

export control legislation and through harmonization and committing to adhere to 

Missile Technology Control Regime and Nuclear Suppliers Group guidelines.’’ Taking into account these statements, the United States assessed in October 2008 that 

India has adhered to the guidelines of the NSG, and has done so in a manner consistent with the procedures and/or practices of that regime. We fully expect India’s 

continued adherence to the NSG Guidelines and we will continue our robust bilateral dialogue on export controls and other issues. 

• If you are confirmed, what role will you play in helping to persuade New Delhi 

to implement the remaining steps necessary for U.S. companies to engage in nuclear commerce with India? 

Answer. The administration strongly supports the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative and is working at all levels to help make civil nuclear trade with India a 

reality. Pursuant to U.S. law (Pub.Law. 110–369), before the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission can issue licenses for U.S. nuclear exports to India, the President must 

certify that India’s safeguards agreement has entered into force and that India’s 

declaration of its nuclear facilities ‘‘is not materially inconsistent with the facilities 

and schedule′′ described in its 2006 Separation Plan. On May 11, 2009, the Indian 

Government entered into force its ‘‘umbrella’’ safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and signed its Additional Protocol. India still 

must file a declaration of safeguarded facilities that is consistent with its 2006 Separation Plan. We expect the Indian Government to complete this step soon. 

RESPONSES TIMOTHY J. ROEMER TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

SENATOR ROBERT P. CASEY, JR. 

Question. The Indian Government shares legitimate concerns over Pakistan, particularly with regard to its concentration of forces along the Indian border and its 

perception of an ‘‘Indian threat’’ as Pakistan’s primary national security challenge. 

India also alleges that Pakistan did not fully share information during the investigation of the Mumbai terrorist attack. Yet, Pakistan’s recent mobilization of forces 

against the Taliban, in addition to several public statements by senior Pakistani officials recognizing the gravity of the threat posed by the Taliban, suggests 

Islamabad’s assessment of the prioritization of the Indian threat may be changing. 

• Does the Indian Government acknowledge any change in Pakistan’s threat 

assessment? Are there steps India could take to further reduce tensions with 

Pakistan? 

Answer. The Indian Government has voiced support for Pakistan’s internal military operations against the Taliban. The June 2009 meeting between Indian Prime 

Minister Singh and Pakistani President Zardari in Russia was also encouraging in 

that it marked the resumption of high-level engagement in the aftermath of the 

November 2008 Mumbai attacks. India has made clear, however, that it needs to 

see Pakistani progress in shutting down extremist groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyaba 

and follow through on prosecutions related to the Mumbai attacks. 

• How do you assess cooperation between India and Pakistan in the aftermath 

of Mumbai, and what can the United States do to promote greater security, 

counterterrorism, and intelligence cooperation between the two neighbors? 

Answer. There are some signs that dialogue between India and Pakistan is slowly 

getting back on track, including the recent meeting between Prime Minister Singh 

and President Zardari in Russia last month. The United States played a key role 

in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks in facilitating communication and investigation between the two countries. As Pakistan takes further steps to combat violent 

extremism within its borders and bring those involved in the Mumbai attacks to justice, we encourage India and Pakistan to resume their dialogue process, including 

more security, intelligence, and counterterrorism cooperation. 

44 

Question. India has been one of the most important international donors to 

Afghanistan’s reconstruction and has been instrumental in rebuilding Afghan society, infrastructure, and industry. Afghanistan can also serve as an important energy 

and trade gateway between India and Central Asia, a goal that the U.S. Government had in mind when it merged South Asia and Central Asia into one bureau 

in the State Department. Yet, India’s goals in Afghanistan are likely strategic as 

well—New Delhi seeks to counter what it perceives to be hostile Pakistani interests 

in Afghanistan. 

• How would you describe India’s goals in Afghanistan? Besides wanting to stabilize a volatile region, does India have legitimate economic and strategic interests in Afghanistan? 

Answer. India shares our goals of a stable, secure, and democratic Afghanistan, 

free from violent extremism and economically integrated with its neighbors. India 

has played an important role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan, based on the understanding that democracy and development are the key instruments to ensure that Afghanistan becomes a source of regional stability and 

does not slide back into extremism. This has been manifested both through highlevel political engagement and exchanges with Afghanistan and through India’s extensive assistance program. India has pledged $1.2 billion toward Afghanistan’s 

reconstruction. 

• Can you elaborate on the ways the United States and India are cooperating in 

Afghanistan? 

Answer. India shares our goals of a stable, secure, and democratic Afghanistan 

free from violent extremism. India has undertaken projects virtually in all parts of 

Afghanistan, in a wide range of sectors, including hydroelectricity, power transmission lines, road construction, agriculture and industry, telecommunications, information and broadcasting, education and health, which have been identified by 

the Afghan Government as priority areas for reconstruction and development. All 

the projects are undertaken in partnership with the Afghan Government and with 

focus on local ownership of assets. India has also been engaged extensively in the 

Joint Coordination & Monitoring Board processes and structures comprising of 

Afghan Government and donor community for effective monitoring of sectoral development benchmarks of the Afghanistan Compact of February 2006. We are thankful 

to India for its efforts, and this work should continue. 

Question. One of India’s most significant military assets is the Jaguar fighter jet. 

This aircraft has been plagued for many years by underperformance and safety 

issues related to its current engine. One major U.S. aerospace manufacturer, Honeywell, has entered a bid to reengine the Jaguar F125IN platform and has received 

U.S. Government advocacy status from the U.S. Commerce Department. If this engine were selected by the Indian Air Force, the move would significantly advance 

United States/India defense cooperation and help support over 80 U.S. subcontractors in 15 States and the associated jobs. 

• Should you be confirmed, how would you work to advance the prospects for selection by the Indian Government of the Honeywell bid for the reengine of the 

Indian Jaguar fighter jet aircraft? 

Answer. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the Department of State have been 

actively involved in this program from the beginning, advocating that the Government of India hold a competition for this upgrade that includes Honeywell. We will 

continue to support Honeywell in their bid for this program. Defense sales such as 

this create American jobs and help build the United States-India defense relationship. 

Question. In December 2006, President Bush signed into law Public Law 109–401, 

which enables United States-Indian nuclear cooperation by providing waivers of several provisions of the Atomic Energy Act; it also established several requirements 

for nuclear cooperation to proceed. President Bush signed Public Law 110–369, 

which approved the agreement, into law on October 8, 2008; the agreement entered 

into force last December. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated on June 17, 2009, 

that the Obama administration is ‘‘fully committed to implementing’’ the agreement, 

but several steps remain before U.S. companies can start nuclear trade with India. 

• What is the status of the India-IAEA nuclear safeguards agreement, a critical 

requirement imposed by the United States Congress prior to final approval of 

the Article 123 nuclear cooperation agreement? 

Answer. On May 11, 2009, the Indian Government entered into force its ‘‘umbrella’’ safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 

and signed its Additional Protocol. 

45 

• Has India provided the IAEA with a formal list of nuclear facilities to which 

IAEA safeguards will be applied? 

Answer. India still must file a declaration of safeguarded facilities with the IAEA 

in order to complete the steps necessary to permit Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

licensing. We expect India will soon file a declaration under paragraph 13 of its umbrella Safeguards Agreement that is consistent with its 2006 Separation Plan. 

• What is the status of Indian accession into the Convention on Supplementary 

Compensation for Nuclear Damage? What does continuing delay in Indian accession to this important convention mean for the ability of U.S. companies to 

compete for civilian nuclear contracts in India? 

Answer. With parliamentary elections behind it, we are hopeful the Indian Government is now in a position to publicly announce nuclear reactor park sites designated for U.S. firms and to move forward on adopting liability protections, including by adhering to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear 

Damage (CSC). Indian ratification, in and of itself, will not bring the CSC into force; 

for this to occur at least five countries with a combined capacity of at least 400,000 

MegaWatts thermal generation capacity must sign and ratify. We are continuing to 

work with India—and encouraging other international partners—to ratify the Convention and bring it into force. 

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