US appoints first ambassador to Syria in five years

Robert Ford, who will be the first US ambassador in Syria in five years, said that he is committed to improving ties between the two countries, Israel Radio reported Thursday.

Ford presented his credentials to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying that his submission shows the Obama administration's commitment to resolving the problems that had severed ties between Syria and the United States.

Obama appointed the new ambassador, despite attempts by the senate to thwart the recommendation.