The U.S. Senate postponed a vote on confirmation of Francis Ricciardone’s nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.

Senator Sam Brownback informed his colleagues of placing a hold on President’s nominee Francis Ricciardone.  

Talking to RFE/RL Armenian service, ANCA spokeswoman Elizabeth Chuljian noted that putting a hold testifies to certain political problems between U.S. and Turkey. According to her, it might be a reason for Senate and State Department to fully review U.S. policy on Turkey. She stressed that presently U.S. gives itself a leeway for action on Turkey’s policy on human rights, security and the Armenian Genocide. Chuljian considers that nominations of ambassadors is another occasion to review the current U.S. policy on Turkey.

As NEWS.am reported earlier, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed a vote on U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan-designate Matthew Bryza until after the Senate August recess (August 9-12). According to Committee Chairman Kerry, the decision was made in response to a ‘hold-over’ request by Senator Barbara Boxer.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Barbara Boxer and Robert Menendez raised key policy issues during Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on July 23. Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked Bryza to respond to her constituents’ concerns, including accusations regarding his close ties to senior Azerbaijani officials. Matthew Bryza noted he maintains professional relationships with not only Azeri officials, but also with those in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. He also assured the Committee that his wedding was not funded by outside sources.