Accepting new assignment 'important calling to heed': Haley

Indian-American Nikki Haley today said that she would be happy to represent America at the UN, describing it as "an important calling to heed" when the President believes "you have a major contribution" to make to the welfare of the nation.
"I was moved to accept this new assignment for two reasons. The first is a sense of duty," 44-year-old Haley, the two-term Governor of South Carolina, said in a statement soon after President-elect Donald Trump named her as the US Ambassador to the UN.
"When the President believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation's standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed," she said.

"The second is a satisfaction with all that we have achieved in our state in the last six years and the knowledge that we are on a very strong footing," Haley said, adding that she will remain South Carolina Governor until the US Senate acts affirmatively on her nomination.
Haley, a Republican, said this month's elections have brought exciting changes to America.
"Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally. Last week, President-elect Trump asked if I would meet with him to discuss those challenges, which I was happy to do. He has asked that I serve our country as our next Ambassador to the United Nations. Pending confirmation by the US Senate, I have agreed," she explained.

If confirmed by the Senate, Haley would replace Samantha Power, nominee of outgoing president Barack Obama.

Six years ago, Haley then a little-known was elected by South Carolina as its first female governor.
After Bobby Jindal, she is the second Indian-American Governor.
"In the six years that followed, our state has reached incredible heights. We made South Carolina's economic development the envy of the nation and brought new jobs to every county," she said.
"We cut our unemployment rate by more than half, employing more South Carolinians than ever before. We reformed how we fund education, moving more resources to communities in greatest need. We passed landmark ethics reforms that make state government more accountable to our people," Haley said in her statement.

"We still have much to do in South Carolina, and my commitment to the people of our state will always remain unbreakable, both while I continue to hold this office, and thereafter," she said.
Indian-Americans welcomed her nomination.
"Great for our nation and Indian Americans. Proud moment," said Shalabh Kumar, founder and president of Republican Hindu Coalition.