Washington (PTI) Seasoned diplomat and experienced South Asia hand A Peter Burleigh has been given a temporary appointment as the Charge d' Affaires of the US Embassy in India, according to a senior official here.

The Barack Obama Administration had to take this interim measure as the final appointment of the new US Ambassador to India might take time, given that the Senate is yet to grant its approval to the majority of the appointments of the new government and the administration is still in the process of filling up most of the posts.

However, given the importance the Obama Administration attaches to India, at a time of an environment of instability and insecurity in the region, the White House and the State Department thought the diplomatic mission in India needs an experienced hand, even if it is an interim arrangement.

"Ambassador A Peter Burleigh's temporary appointment as Charge d'Affaires reflects the strong emphasis the US places on highest-level representation and continuity in US-Indian relations," Gordon Duguid, Acting Deputy Spokesman of the State Department, told PTI.

Mr. Burleigh, who retired in 2000, had earlier served as Ambassador and Deputy Representative of the US to the United Nations from August 1997 to December 1999. "His vast experience will serve both nations well in continuing to nurture this extremely important bilateral relationship," Mr.Duguid said.

Mr. Burleigh was in Charge of the UN Mission from September 1998 to August 1999. He represented the US in the Security Council, the General Assembly, and at other major UN bodies.

During his period in charge, the Security Council considered several important issues including Iraq, Kosovo and East Timor crises along with many Africa-related issues. Immediately before this, Mr. Burleigh served as US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives (1995-1997).

He has held senior positions at the State Department including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Personnel (1992-1995), Coordinator of the Office of Counter-Terrorism (1991-1992), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (1989-1991) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (1987-1989).

From 1985 to 1987, he headed the State Department office responsible for Iran and Iraq and, earlier in his career, he was deputy director for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates. He has served in US embassies in Nepal, Bahrain and India, as well as Sri Lanka.

Born in Los Angeles, California on March 7, 1942, he graduated from Hollywood High School and received his undergraduate degree from Colgate University in 1963, majoring in anthropology and sociology.

Mr. Burleigh served in the Peace Corps (1963-1965) in Nepal, doing community development work in the far west of that country. He is fluent in Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and Sinhalese.