Kathmandu, April 17:

The United States has proposed Nancy J Powell as its new ambassador to Nepal as the tenure of ambassador James F Moriarty expires on July 15 this year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

The agreemo of Powell was received by the MoFA, and the government is yet to give its decision on it. A MoFA official told this daily that Powell’s agreemo would be accepted.

Powell will be the fifth woman resident US ambassador to Nepal. Born in 1947, she joined foreign-service in 1977. Powell, who studied French, Nepali and Urdu, has served in Pakistan as US ambassador from 2002-2004, and in Ghana from 2001 to 2002.

She has also served in various US missions including in Bandladesh, India, Nepal, Uganda, and Canada. Her previous assignments were those of Nepal Desk Officer and Refugee Assistance Officer. She has also served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

Meanwhile, Moriarty today reached Biratnagar on a three-day visit. He was appointed the US ambassador to Nepal on July 16, 2004.