NATO to announce top civilian representative in Afghanistan

NATO to name top civilian boss for Afghanistan

BRUSSELS — NATO officials say the alliance has picked Britain’s ambassador to Kabul to be its new civilian representative in Afghanistan.

Two diplomatic officials say ambassador Mark Sedwill has been appointed to the post. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The new civilian representative will administer reconstruction efforts and act as a counterpart to the military commander, U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

NATO spokesman’s office said it could not confirm the report, but Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is scheduled to make an announcement later Tuesday.

The move will come two days before the start of an international conference in London, where Afghan and international officials will map plans to shore up the Kabul government as the U.S. and its allies rush 37,000 more troops here to confront the Taliban.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO says it will announce the alliance’s new top civilian representative in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The official will administer reconstruction efforts and act as a counterpart to the military commander, U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Two officials say Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Mark Sedwill, is the leading candidate for the post. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision was pending.

Tuesday’s announcement comes two days before the start of an international conference in London, where Afghan and international officials will map plans to shore up the Kabul government as the U.S. and its allies rush 37,000 more troops here to confront the Taliban.