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WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama on Thursday proposed extending the decade-long term of FBI Director Robert Mueller by two years, saying continuity was critical to tackling terror threats.

FBI directors are limited by law to serving 10-year terms and their appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.

Mueller, appointed by former president George W. Bush in 2001, took over the FBI a week before the September 11 attacks, which led to a wide-ranging global anti-terror campaign which has dominated his tenure.

"In his ten years at the FBI, Bob Mueller has set the gold standard for leading the bureau," Obama said in a statement.

"Given the ongoing threats facing the United States, as well as the leadership transitions at other agencies like the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, I believe continuity and stability at the FBI is critical at this time.

"Bob transformed the FBI after September 11, 2001 into a pre-eminent counterterrorism agency, he has shown extraordinary leadership and effectiveness at protecting our country every day since."

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