30 August, 2017
However, posts of the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations, the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, the presidential envoy responsible for building the anti-Islamic State military coalition, and the Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs will remain intact.
According to the State Department, the position of the Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan was created to push for an end to the crisis in the latter, by supporting the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict, calling on parties to adhere to the permanent ceasefire and supporting efforts to ensure development, justice, and reconciliation.
He has sought feedback from Corker on his proposals.
The Office to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism has been unstaffed since July 1.
"In some cases, the State Department would leave in place several positions and offices, while in other cases, positions and offices would be either consolidated or integrated with the most appropriate bureau".
As per the changes proposed by the State Department, a special envoy or representative shall no longer be required to handle South Sudan and Sudan docket, the statement explained.
This integration, he wrote, would also eliminate redundancies that dilute the ability of a bureau to deliver on its primary functions. The special antisemitism envoy monitors acts of antisemitism overseas, documents the cases in State Department reports, and consults with domestic and worldwide nongovernmental organizations.
Certain special roles will be retained and expanded, including the special ambassador for religious freedom and a representative to Muslim communities, the report said.
The reorganization effort is meant to streamline department operations, address redundancies and consolidate offices within regional and functional bureaus, according to Tillerson.
"That is one reason our committee took bipartisan action last month to require Senate confirmation of special envoys while empowering the secretary to reduce bureaucracy by reining in these often unnecessary positions".
