On August 2, the US Ambassador to Turkey, Francis Ricciardone, eased the concerns voiced by US senators over the recent resignation of Turkey’s top four military commanders. During nomination hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ambassador Ricciardone noted that three of the four generals were to have retired this month in any event and that their early retirements would not be a setback for security relations between Turkey and the US.
Ambassador Ricciardone is a recess appointment as Ambassador to Turkey. Senate confirmation is required if he is to serve in Ankara beyond 2011. His SFRC hearing proceeded smoothly with nothing emerging that would place his speedy confirmation at risk.
Source: Today’s Zaman
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