Obama administration

Victoria Nuland, third-highest ranking US diplomat and critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine, retiring

Victoria Nuland, the third-highest ranking US diplomat and frequent target of criticism for her hawkish views on Russia and its actions in Ukraine, will retire and leave her post this month, the State Department said Tuesday.

Turkish-American reportedly tapped for US Treasury chief of staff

A Turkish-American with extensive experience in finance policy has been chosen as the Treasury Department chief of staff under incoming President Joe Biden, Bloomberg News reported.

Didem Nişancı, currently global head of public policy for Bloomberg LP, will be chief of staff for incoming Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, a key position, Bloomberg said late on Jan. 11. 

Trump hits Cuba with new terrorism sanctions in waning days

The Trump administration on Jan. 11 re-designated Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism," in a move that hits the country with new sanctions shortly before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the step, citing in particular Cuba's continued harboring of U.S. fugitives as well as its support for Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Ankara condemns, rejects US decision including unilateral sanctions on Turkey: Foreign Ministry

Turkish Foreign Ministry on Dec. 14 said that U.S. sanctions will harm ties, adding that Ankara will retaliate as necessary.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Dec. 14 imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.

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