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ANCA: Sen. Ensign Raises Concern Over Evans Firing

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  • ANCA: Sen. Ensign Raises Concern Over Evans Firing

    Armenian National Committee of America
    1711 N Street NW
    Washington, DC 20036
    Tel: (202) 775-1918
    Fax: (202) 775-5648
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Internet: www.anca.org

    PRESS RELEASE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 2, 2006
    Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
    Tel: (202) 775-1918


    SEN. ENSIGN RAISES CONCERN OVER RECALL OF U.S. AMBASSADOR TO
    ARMENIA

    WASHINGTON, DC - In remarks delivered on the Senate floor, John
    Ensign (R-NV) has shared with his colleagues his "justifiable
    concern" regarding the circumstances of the Administration's
    controversial recall of the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
    Marshall Evans, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
    (ANCA).

    "We appreciate Senator Ensign's expression of concern regarding the
    circumstances of Ambassador Evans' recall and value his leadership
    in working toward U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide," said
    ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We share the Senator's
    view that it is simply unacceptable to dismiss a U.S. Ambassador
    over the failure of our government to officially recognize the
    Armenian Genocide."

    The Nevada Republican, in a September 29th speech, described as
    "unacceptable" reports that, "the recall of Ambassador Evans
    revolves around the failure of our Government to officially
    recognize the Armenian genocide." A long-time leader of Senate
    efforts to secure official recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
    the Senator stressed that, "The bigger issue is not that of an
    appointment of this or any official who recognizes his duties and
    will be diligent in carrying them out but of acknowledging the
    genocide as part of an appropriate foreign policy."

    The full text of Senator Ensign's speech is provided below.

    #####

    NOMINATION OF RICHARD HOAGLAND
    Senate - September 29, 2006

    Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise to speak today about an issue of
    great importance to the Armenian community, the nomination of
    Richard Hoagland to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of
    Armenia.

    I respect the office of the President and the powers that are
    granted to appoint individuals that are in support of the
    administration's agenda; however, there is justifiable concern
    about the recall of our Ambassador to a regionally important
    country and the subsequent nomination of his replacement. The
    reported reason for the recall of Ambassador Evans revolves around
    the failure of our Government to officially recognize the Armenian
    genocide. That is unacceptable.

    Once again, I want to go on record as being opposed to the
    continued denial of the Armenian genocide. The bigger issue is not
    that of an appointment of this or any official who recognizes his
    duties and will be diligent in carrying them out but of
    acknowledging the genocide as part of an appropriate foreign
    policy.

    I have long sought to bring recognition to the crimes perpetuated
    against the Armenian people as genocide. In fact, I have introduced
    S. Res. 320, which affirms the Armenian genocide. The resolution
    calls on the President to state that the slaughter of Armenians by
    the Ottoman Empire was genocide and to recall the proud history of
    U.S. intervention in opposition to the Armenian genocide. It is
    important that the U.S. once and for all reaffirms the
    incontestable facts of history and allows our representatives to
    speak out about the crimes perpetuated against the Armenian people
    from 1915 to 1923. It is my sincere hope that this legislation
    comes before the full Senate soon.

    As we fight to ensure freedom around the globe, we must ensure that
    our future reflects the lessons of the past. In this case the facts
    are incontestable. Armenians were subjected to deportation,
    expropriation, abduction, torture, massacre, and starvation. Yes,
    the Armenian people were victims of genocide. Genocide at any time,
    at any place, is wrong and needs to be confronted and remembered.

    #####
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