US Ambassador to Estonia resigns in frustration over Trump
Washington, June 30 : The US Ambassador to Estonia has resigned in frustration with President Donald Trump's comments about, and the treatment of, European allies, a media report said.
James D. Melville Jr.'s resignation on Friday makes him the third ambassador in the last year to leave the State Department early, reports CNN.
"A Foreign Service Officer's DNA is programmed to support policy and we're schooled right from the start, that if there ever comes a point where one can no longer do so, particularly if one is in a position of leadership, the honourable course is to resign," Melville posted on Facebook.
"Having served under six presidents and 11 secretaries of state, I never really thought it would reach that point for me.
"For the President to say the EU was 'set up to take advantage of the US, to attack our piggy bank', or that 'NATO is as bad as NAFTA' is not only factually wrong, but proves to me that it's time to go," he added.
In a statement, a State Department spokesperson confirmed Melville's departure.
"Earlier today (Friday), the US' Ambassador to Estonia, Jim Melville, announced his intent to retire from the Foreign Service effective July 29 after 33 years of public service," the statement said.
The announcement of Melville's departure was followed by that of Susan Thornton, Trump's choice to be the nominee to be assistant secretary for East Asian affairs, later on Friday.
Melville and Thornton are the latest foreign service officer to leave in a department where the senior ranks have been deeply depleted and even rising stars have resigned rather than serve the President, reports CNN.
Last November, Elizabeth Shackelford, an award-winning US diplomat based in Nairobi, wrote to former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson a blistering resignation letter saying that the Trump administration had diminished the influence of State Department with its preference for military solutions.
This January, US Ambassador to Panama John Feeley resigned over differences with the Trump administration.
In March, US Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson, announced her decision to step down amid increased tensions between the US and Mexico.
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Ganga water now fit for rituals, thanks to PM Modi's efforts: UP CM Adityanath
Varanasi (UP) (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath on Friday said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of the Namami Gange project, the once-polluted waters of the Ganga, considered unsafe even for bathing, have now become fit for rituals like 'aachman' (sipping holy water).
The chief minister was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Namo Ghat by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and to mark Dev Deepawali. UP Governor Anandiben Patel and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also attended the event.
"It is my privilege to witness the unique festival of Dev Deepawali," Adityanath said.
He also extended greetings on Guru Nanak Dev's 555th Prakash Parv and Tribal Pride Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Union minister Puri welcomed the guests, extending wishes for Dev Deepawali and Guru Nanak Dev's Prakash Parv. Referring to big 'Namaste' sculpture made at Namo Ghat, Puri said it was constructed using 350 tons of steel and 50 tons of 'ashtadhatu' (eight-metal alloy).
"The Namo Ghat has been developed as a model project," Puri added.
Praising the development of Varanasi, Adityanath remarked, "Over the past decade, Kashi has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its identity and appearance. Earlier, the Ganga's waters were considered unsafe even for bathing.
"Today, due to Prime Minister Modi's initiatives under the Namami Gange project, the water is now pure enough for 'aachman'," he noted.
Referring to the ghat now popularly known as Namo Ghat, Adityanath added, "The people of Kashi affectionately call it 'Narendra Modi Ghat' to express their gratitude to the prime minister."
He said under PM Modi's leadership, Kashi's identity is now defined by its clean and picturesque ghats, Vishwanath Dham, wide four-lane and six-lane roads, excellent train connectivity and an international airport.
Highlighting Namo Ghat, he described it as "more than just a riverbank", calling it an "unparalleled" location that has now become the city's "longest and most beautiful ghat".
CM Adityanath referred to Dev Deepawali as the "Diwali of the Gods", adding, "PM Modi's efforts have elevated this festival to a global stage, bringing it widespread recognition."
Meanwhile, Puri underscored the environmental efforts in Varanasi, noting that earlier pollution caused by diesel-powered boats has been addressed by converting them to CNG.
This transition not only helped reduce pollution but also created new employment opportunities for local boatmen, he said.
The Union minister said Namo Ghat now features a CNG station and, under the prime minister's directives, floating CNG and mobile charging stations have been established on the Ganga River.
The ceremony at Namo Ghat began with a traditional lighting of five lamps near the iconic 'Namaste' sculpture by the dignitaries, formally inaugurating the Dev Deepawali festival. The event also featured captivating cultural performances.
Artists from Odisha performed a dance to the tune of 'Namo Namo', followed by Kuchipudi performances by groups from the US and Australia on the theme 'Cosmic Shiva', leaving the audience spellbound.
