No decision on next defence secretary: Obama

December 31, 2012 08:23

US President Barack Obama has said that he has taken no decision on nominating his next defence secretary, but went on to praise former Senator Chuck Hagel, who is believed to be the top contender for the post.

"I haven't made a decision about who to nominate. And my number one criteria will be who's going to do the best job in helping to secure America," Obama said in response to a question.

The US President however praised Hagel.

"I've served with Chuck Hagel. I know him. He is a patriot. He is somebody who has done extraordinary work both in the United States Senate. Somebody who served this country with valour in Vietnam. This is somebody who's currently serving on my intelligence advisory board and doing an outstanding job," he said.

"So I haven't made a decision on this," Obama said.

When asked about Hagel's comment on gays in the past, Obama said the former Senator has already apologised.

"With respect to the particular comment that you quoted, he apologised for it. And I think it's a testimony to what has been a positive change over the last decade in terms of people's attitudes about gays and lesbians serving our country," he said.

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