Susan Rice likely to become US secretary of state

WASHINGTON: US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Susan Rice, is expected to become the next Secretary of State.

According to media reports, some Republicans Senators including Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte, have been claiming they will block Rice's nomination, should President Obama nominate her.

The reports said , Rice's chances of becoming Secretary of State may now be better after McCain said on Sunday that he would be willing to listen to an explanation of her account.

Ambassador Rice has served in Obama's cabinet since her appointment. Rice has also held positions in Obama's campaign. She was Senior Advisor for National Security Affairs on the Obama for America Campaign and served on the Advisory Board of the Obama-Biden Transition.