Statement by the Press Secretary: Ambassador Craig Named Senior Director for Combating Terrorism

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice announced today the appointment of Ambassador John B. Craig as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Combating Terrorism, effective October 17, 2001.

Ambassador Craig served as Ambassador to Oman from 1998 to 2001. He previously served as Director of Arabian Peninsula Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the Department of State. Earlier, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Damascus, Syria and Bogota, Colombia.

A native of Pennsylvania, Ambassador Craig holds a B.S. degree from American University's School of International Science. He earned a master's degree in international relations from the National War College at the National Defense University.

He is married to Gerre Lee Johnson Craig; they have one son, Jason.