Kerry confirmed as state dept chief

on 29/01/2013 22:25:24

US senator John Kerry has been confirmed as the next secretary of state.

The vote in the senate was 94-3. Once sworn-in, Mr Kerry will replace Hillary Clinton, who is stepping down after four years.

The vote came just hours after the Foreign Relations Committee approved his nomination by voice vote. Mr Kerry has led the committee for the past four years.

The 69-year-old is a decorated Vietnam veteran and the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate.