Marino Frosty about Ambassadorial Nominee to Norway

FOR IMMIEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2014

Frosty about Ambassadorial Nominee to Norway, Rep. Marino in Vigorous Opposition

Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County released the following statement regarding President Obama’s nomination of Mr. George Tsunis, Esq. to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway.

“I understand President Obama’s nomination of Mr. Tsunis has waned from the 24-hour news cycle but in light of everything that has been happening around the world in the past few weeks, I think we need to be thinking about the implications of sending unsuitable ambassadors to our nation’s allies. This is an important emphasis that goes far beyond political gamesmanship. Now is a critical moment for America on the world stage, and I do not mean the World Cup, I mean we are at a critical crossroads. It is plainly evident America will either salvage what is left of its wishy-washy reputation or we will lose legitimacy completely.

This President has initiated, fueled and endured an embarrassingly high frequency of serious foreign policy blunders and I firmly believe sending Mr. Tsunis to represent the United States of America to Norway is a mammoth mistake.

The country saw how inept and disengaged Tsunis was during his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yet his nomination has yet to be withdrawn.

Some say it is an acceptable practice for Presidents to nominate political allies to diplomatic posts but I reject this premise wholeheartedly. It is unacceptable for the Norwegian government to receive an ambassador who is seemingly more interested in holding a diplomatic title rather than strengthening the Norwegian-American alliance. Norway is a vital partner in energy production, global trade and international security. We must cherish this relationship, take it seriously and actively strengthen it.

Last week House Republicans and Democrats sent a letter to the President asking for him to withdrawal his nomination for Mr. Tsunis immediately. We have not heard anything yet but I am hopeful the President is capable of making a sound judgment in this case, despite so many follies before. He should do what is best for Norway and America, not what is politically expedient for his fundraisers and cronies.”

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