Russia's Grushko to become NATO envoy

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko will be appointed Russia's next ambassador to NATO, a diplomatic source has said. Grushko's candidacy was being "considered," the source told RIA Novosti but did not elaborate. There has been no official confirmation of the move from the authorities. The post became vacant after the previous incumbent, Dmitry Rogozin, was promoted to deputy prime minister in December. A veteran diplomat, Grushko has been in charge of Russia's relations with Euro-Atlantic organizations and general European matters. Grushko led Russia’s delegation on military security and weapons control in Vienna between 1996 and 2000. He also served as head of the Foreign Ministry’s department for cooperation with Europe.