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Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
[email protected]
Internet www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
April 3, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA WELCOMES DELAY IN GORDON CONFIRMATION VOTE
-- Senate Vote on State Department Nominee Will
Now Take Place after President's Trip to Turkey
WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today noted that the U.S. Senate's delay in confirming the Obama
Administration's nomination of Phil Gordon to a senior State
Department posting will allow Senators time to meaningfully
consider both the timing and wisdom of approving an individual
whose record is so markedly at odds with the President's commitment
to bringing about official U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.
The Senate, which approved a slate of other senior Presidential
appointments earlier today, went into a two-week recess this
afternoon without acting on his nomination to serve as Assistant
Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs. Although the
cause for this delay remains unclear, it is likely the result of a
"hold" placed on his confirmation by a member of the Senate.
"We see this delay as a meaningful opportunity for Senators to
weigh the merits of approving a nominee with a record of arguing
against both Executive Branch and Congressional recognition of the
Armenian Genocide - a position at direct odds with the strong moral
stand taken by the President that the U.S. should clearly and fully
condemn this crime against humanity," said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. "We look forward, during Genocide
Prevention Month this April, to President Obama honoring his pledge
to recognize the Armenian Genocide."
During his March 31st confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee , and in his extensive writings, Mr. Gordon
frequently argued against U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. His responses and record placed him directly at odds
with the views of the President, who has consistently argued for
U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, strongly supported full
Congressional commemoration of this crime, and repeatedly pledged,
if elected, to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Gordon's stand on
this human rights issue and also his views on the Turkish
occupation of Cyprus, which are seen by the Greek American
community as deeply troubling, were the subject of questioning,
both verbal and written, during and after his hearing.
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
[email protected]
Internet www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
April 3, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA WELCOMES DELAY IN GORDON CONFIRMATION VOTE
-- Senate Vote on State Department Nominee Will
Now Take Place after President's Trip to Turkey
WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today noted that the U.S. Senate's delay in confirming the Obama
Administration's nomination of Phil Gordon to a senior State
Department posting will allow Senators time to meaningfully
consider both the timing and wisdom of approving an individual
whose record is so markedly at odds with the President's commitment
to bringing about official U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.
The Senate, which approved a slate of other senior Presidential
appointments earlier today, went into a two-week recess this
afternoon without acting on his nomination to serve as Assistant
Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs. Although the
cause for this delay remains unclear, it is likely the result of a
"hold" placed on his confirmation by a member of the Senate.
"We see this delay as a meaningful opportunity for Senators to
weigh the merits of approving a nominee with a record of arguing
against both Executive Branch and Congressional recognition of the
Armenian Genocide - a position at direct odds with the strong moral
stand taken by the President that the U.S. should clearly and fully
condemn this crime against humanity," said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. "We look forward, during Genocide
Prevention Month this April, to President Obama honoring his pledge
to recognize the Armenian Genocide."
During his March 31st confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee , and in his extensive writings, Mr. Gordon
frequently argued against U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. His responses and record placed him directly at odds
with the views of the President, who has consistently argued for
U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, strongly supported full
Congressional commemoration of this crime, and repeatedly pledged,
if elected, to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Gordon's stand on
this human rights issue and also his views on the Turkish
occupation of Cyprus, which are seen by the Greek American
community as deeply troubling, were the subject of questioning,
both verbal and written, during and after his hearing.