Iraq nominates Armenian Christian adviser as ambassador to Washington

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq has nominated Krikor Der Hagopyan, a Christian and Armenian-origin adviser to Prime Minister Ali Zidi, as its next ambassador to the United States, according to Iraqi officials. If confirmed, Der Hagopyan would be the first non-Shia envoy Iraq has sent to Washington in decades. The 49-year-old Der Hagopyan holds a master's degree in international relations from the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies and has previously served as an adviser to former President Barham Salih and former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. Iraqi officials said the nomination is awaiting formal approval by the Trump administration and could be finalized when Zidi meets Trump, expected in the third week of July. Former U.S. State Department official Victoria Taylor said the appointment reflects Zidi's decision to send his most experienced figure on Washington to the post. Der Hagopyan is expected to replace current Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Hairallah in Washington. Separately, U.S. diplomat Peter Chia is set to take over as chargé d'affaires at the U.S. mission in Baghdad, replacing Ambassador Joshua Harris, according to the same reports.