U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul stepping down
The longtime Stanford University professor had been a part of the president’s Russia team for five years, and will depart just after the Winter Olympics in Sochi wrap up.
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McFaul shared news of his departure in a blog post Tuesday morning, citing a need to reunite his family.
“I love my job here,” he wrote. “It has been a tremendous honor to
represent my country in Russia, and I made this decision with a heavy
heart.”(Also on POLITICO: McFaul assailed by Russia's Foreign Ministry)
McFaul’s wife, Donna, and two sons went home to California this past summer for his son’s schooling.
“He and his wife decided that after seven months of living on opposite ends of the globe, it is time for the family to be reunited,” the embassy said in a statement.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said in a statement that the president was grateful for McFaul’s service, citing accomplishments with START , negotiations with Iran, and resupplying troops in Afghanistan.
(Also on POLITICO: Olympics worries build)
“From the White House to Spaso House, Mike helped shape policies that advanced America’s interests,” Rhodes said. “Mike has been tireless in advocating for the universal values that America stands for around the world, reaching out to civil society, and recognizing the right of every voice to be heard.”
An avid user of social media, McFaul tweeted about his decision Tuesday:
After 7 months of separation, I simply need to be with my family. A 9,000 km commute just doesn’t work http://t.co/fngUfd3dl4 @USEmbRu— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) February 4, 2014
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