New U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone is arriving in Ankara on January 20.

U.S. President Barack Obama appointed Ricciardone as the new ambassador to Turkey on December 30, 2010 by using his special authority. Ricciardone could not begin his term in office in Ankara because the Senate did not approve his appointment, Turkish Weekly reported.

According to U.S. Constitution, Senate must approve appointments to key offices like embassies. However, the U.S. president can make appointments too when Congress is in legislative recess. The appointment of Ricciardone must be approved within one year by Senate in the new legislative term.