New US ambassador to Ankara approved by Senate committee

WASHINGTON – Anadolu Agency

Bass served as U.S. ambassador to Tbilisi from 2009 to 2012, after leading the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team from 2008-2009.

John Bass, who has been nominated by the Obama administration as new U.S. ambassador to Ankara, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The committee also discussed the approval of 10 other ambassadors, along with Bass, in the meeting. The General Assembly will discuss Bass’ nomination on an unspecified date. After, 60 senators have to approve Bass as the new ambassador for the approval of his nomination.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Francis Ricciardone’s tenure in Turkey ended in July.

Bass served as U.S. ambassador to Tbilisi from 2009 to 2012. He also led the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team from 2008-2009. From 2005 to 2008, he served as director of the Department of State Operations Center. During his tenure there, Bass led the response to over 25 crises, including coordinating international assistance in response to Hurricane Katrina and orchestrating the largest U.S. government evacuation of American citizens in 60 years.