Biden appoints Trump critic Jeff Flake in party as Turkish envoy

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Jeff Flake, a former senator and one of Donald Trump’s most vocal Republican enemies, was appointed Tuesday by President Joe Biden as ambassador to Turkey, tasked with managing one of America’s most complicated alliances.

Flake, who, unlike many Republicans, never withdrew his criticism of Trump and went so far as to campaign for Biden in last year’s election, said he was “humbled and honored” to ” have been chosen as ambassador.

“This is a crucial position at an important time for our two countries. Cheryl and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve and keen to know the extraordinary people of Turkey,” said Flake, referring to his wife, announcing the appointment in a blog post.

“With this appointment, the Biden administration reaffirms the best tradition in US foreign policy and diplomacy: the credo that partisan politics should end at the water’s edge,” Flake wrote.

His appointment was announced in a routine White House statement as Biden fills key diplomatic positions, many of which are vacant six months after taking office.

Turkey, which has seen major tensions with Washington in recent years but is also a vital partner in key areas such as Afghanistan, was one of the few top positions where Biden kept a person in place. nominated by Trump – David Satterfield, a career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East.

Flake had long been expected to be selected for a diplomatic post, but speculation has centered on an ambassadorial post to Africa. Flake has served as a Mormon missionary in South Africa and Zimbabwe and has been active on African issues as a senator.

Biden previously appointed another Arizona-born Republican Trump critic – Cindy McCain, widow of veteran Senator John McCain – to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome .

sct / dw

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