WASHINGTON, Rabi'II 4, 1434, Feb 14, 2013, SPA -- As the Senate delays in Chuck Hagel's confirmation, President Barack Obama stands behind his nominee for defense secretary, former Republican Senator Hagel, Reuters cited a White House spokesman saying on Thursday that the two stances are "unconscionable," . Delays in Hagel's nomination do not send a good signal to U.S. allies or troops, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. "The president stands strongly behind Senator Hagel," Earnest said. "It does not send a favorable signal for Republicans in the United States Senate to delay a vote on the president's nominee, a nominee who is a member of their own party, to be the Secretary of Defense." -- SPA 19:20 LOCAL TIME 16:20 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1078474