  Senator Sam Brownback places hold on presidential nominee to be US Ambassador to Turkey  August 7, 2010 - 13:29 AMTPanARMENIAN.Net - Senator Sam Brownback, a Republican legislator from Kansas, has placed a hold on President Obama's nominee to be US Ambassador to Turkey, Francis Ricciardone. The August 5, 2010 Congressional Record (Senate Proceedings, page S6858) reported that Senator Brownback made the following statement: "I rise today to inform the body that I have placed a hold on Executive Calendar nomination No. 1051, the nomination of Ambassador Frank Ricciardone to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey." U.S. Senators, by custom, are allowed to block (typically called a "hold") the adoption of presidential nominees for senior governmental posts. Senator Brownback has yet to offer a public explanation of why he took this action. The ANCA issued the statement following the announcement of the hold placed by Senator Brownback: "Senator Brownback's hold on Francis Ricciardone's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey underscores the challenges the Administration is facing as it seeks to manage an increasingly complex, strained, and unpredictable U.S.-Turkey relationship," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America. "More broadly, this action highlights the pressing need for the U.S. Congress - and all concerned elements of American civil society - to carefully reexamine whether our national interests and international standing are served by constantly caving in to Turkey on human rights, regional security, and genocide denial."   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan.Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan.Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |
