New York, Nov. 20 : Former U. S. President Bill Clinton has agreed to disclose the names of donors contributing to his foundation in what can be seen as a breaking of ice with the Obama transition team, to enable his wife, Hillary, to become the next Secretary of State.

Aides to both Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N. Y.) said that a formal job offer had not been made, but the former president''s decision to disclose the identities of donors to his charitable foundation and to vet his future speeches and overseas activities with members of the Obama administration appears to have removed some of the biggest hurdles to her nomination.

Obama aides said yesterday that it would now be difficult for Senator Clinton to walk away from the offer, should it be made. Obama''s staff has thoroughly vetted both Clintons with the understanding that, if he should make an official job offer, she would accept, reports the Washington Post.

Obama''s consideration of Clinton for the top diplomatic post has puzzled supporters of other contenders. It also has perplexed rank-and-file Obama supporters who heard the candidate spend most of the primary contest critiquing Clinton''s foreign-policy mindset. (ANI)