InternationalWashington briefing: Turkish ambassador resigns over prime minister’s visit
Published: Saturday December 12, 2009
Ambassador Nabi Sensoy of Turkey, who attended an Independence Day reception at the Armenian Embassy in Washington on September 30, 2008. Embassy of Turkey
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Washington - Nabi Sensoy, a veteran Turkish diplomat who has been ambassador in Washington since 2006, resigned months before his term was due to expire, Turkish media reported on December 9, just hours after Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan completed his visit to Washington.
According to media speculation, the resignation was due to Turkish leaders' unhappiness with the visit's organization. In particular, Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu was reportedly left out of a meeting with President Obama despite a previously communicated request from Ankara that he be included.
Observers also noted lack of favorable mainstream media coverage of Mr. Erdogan's visit as well as congressional criticism of his domestic policy as possible reasons for the resignation.
According to Hurriyet, Unal Cevikoz, the deputy foreign minister who has been in charge of talks with Armenia, is a top candidate in line to succeed Mr. Sensoy.
