WASHINGTON - PRESIDENT Barack Obama should reconsider his choice of veteran diplomat Christopher Hill as US ambassador to Iraq because he lacks Middle East and counter-terrorism experience, two US senators said on Thursday.

Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said in a joint statement that they have 'real concerns' about Obama's decision to nominate Hill, best known for his North Korea nuclear work, as chief envoy to Baghdad.

'The next ambassador should have experience in the Middle East and in working closely with the US military in counterinsurgency or counterterrorism operations. Mr Hill has neither,' they said.

'Given these considerations, together with the controversial legacy Mr Hill left in his North Korea diplomacy, we believe that the President should reconsider this nomination.'

They did not elaborate, but a Senate aide who requested anonymity said they worried about Hill's ability to have a solid working relationship with the military commanders in Iraq, Pentagon, the Congress and the US State Department.

Obama announced his choice of Hill as ambassador to Iraq on February 27, but the nomination requires Senate approval.

'While Mr Hill is a talented diplomat who has served our country for many years, his selection for this post concerns us,' said McCain and Graham, warning that he is wrong for Iraq at a 'particularly critical time.' --AFP