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Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan E-mail: [email protected]
STATE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO INQUIRIES FROM CONGRESS REGARDING
AMBASSADOR EVANS' PREMATURE DEPARTURE
Washington, DC - In response to a letter spearheaded by Representative
Edward Markey (D-MA), and signed by 59 of his colleagues, expressing
concern that Ambassador John M. Evans was being "required to vacate
his position early for properly characterizing the Armenian Genocide,"
the State Department has revealed that allegations that Turkey played
a role in Evans' departure are simply untrue.
The State Department letter also confirmed that "Ambassador Evans
recently tendered his resignation as Ambassador to the Republic
of Armenia, but currently remains in charge of the U.S. Embassy
in Yerevan."
In addition, the letter stated that "the United States has never
denied the tragic events of 1915," explaining that the events "should
be determined through heartfelt dialogue, not through diplomatic or
political proclamations."
"The Bush Administration has once again failed to answer the
question of whether or not the early departure of U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans is related to comments he made about the Armenian
Genocide," Representative Markey told the Assembly. "Moreover, the
Bush Administration is continuing to duck when given the opportunity
to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide."
Last month, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a
confirmation hearing for the Administration's nominee for Armenia's
next Ambassador, Richard E. Hoagland. Senator George Allen (R-VA)
who chaired the proceedings, and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN),
grilled the current Ambassador to Tajikistan on U.S. policy on the
Armenian Genocide. Senator Sarbanes expressed disappointment over the
Administration's decision to replace Evans prior to his completion
of a regular three-year tour of duty. "Ambassador Evans did nothing
more than what President Reagan officially acknowledged in 1981," said
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The fact of the Armenian Genocide
is incontestable and affirmation is paramount to avoid repetition
of history. We only need to look at the situation today in Darfur to
understand the importance of genocide affirmation and prevention. We
have a fundamental policy disagreement with the Administration and
will continue to press forward until the U.S. irrevocably affirms
the universal truth of the horrific crimes against humanity."
Ardouny recently met with Evans during a working visit to
Armenia. During their July 5 meeting, they discussed efforts to
strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations - including initiatives such as
the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
### NR#2006-066
Editor's Note: Below is the full text of the State Department's letter to
Congressman Markey.
United States Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Mr. Markey:
Thank you for your letter of May 22 concerning Ambassador John Evans.
All U.S. Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the President and as
advocates of the President's policies. Ambassador Evans recently
tendered his resignation as Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia,
but currently remains in charge of our Embassy in Yerevan. We continue
to work closely with him and his capable team. Please be assured that
allegations that the U.S. is removing Ambassador Evans under pressure
from the Government of Turkey are simply untrue.
The United States has never denied the tragic events of 1915. As
President Bush has expressed each year of his Presidency on Armenian
Remembrance Day, April 24, the Administration calls on all concerned
parties to engage in thoughtful introspection on the forced exile
and mass killing inflicted on as many as 1.5 million Armenians. The
Administration shares the profound sorrow of Armenian communities
around the world regarding this tremendous suffering. We believe
this tragedy is of such enormous human significance that its
characterization should be determined through heartfelt dialogue,
not through diplomatic or political proclamations.
Please let us know if we can be of assistance on this or any other
matter.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey T. Bergner Assistant Secretary - Legislative Affairs
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan E-mail: [email protected]
STATE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO INQUIRIES FROM CONGRESS REGARDING
AMBASSADOR EVANS' PREMATURE DEPARTURE
Washington, DC - In response to a letter spearheaded by Representative
Edward Markey (D-MA), and signed by 59 of his colleagues, expressing
concern that Ambassador John M. Evans was being "required to vacate
his position early for properly characterizing the Armenian Genocide,"
the State Department has revealed that allegations that Turkey played
a role in Evans' departure are simply untrue.
The State Department letter also confirmed that "Ambassador Evans
recently tendered his resignation as Ambassador to the Republic
of Armenia, but currently remains in charge of the U.S. Embassy
in Yerevan."
In addition, the letter stated that "the United States has never
denied the tragic events of 1915," explaining that the events "should
be determined through heartfelt dialogue, not through diplomatic or
political proclamations."
"The Bush Administration has once again failed to answer the
question of whether or not the early departure of U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans is related to comments he made about the Armenian
Genocide," Representative Markey told the Assembly. "Moreover, the
Bush Administration is continuing to duck when given the opportunity
to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide."
Last month, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a
confirmation hearing for the Administration's nominee for Armenia's
next Ambassador, Richard E. Hoagland. Senator George Allen (R-VA)
who chaired the proceedings, and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN),
grilled the current Ambassador to Tajikistan on U.S. policy on the
Armenian Genocide. Senator Sarbanes expressed disappointment over the
Administration's decision to replace Evans prior to his completion
of a regular three-year tour of duty. "Ambassador Evans did nothing
more than what President Reagan officially acknowledged in 1981," said
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The fact of the Armenian Genocide
is incontestable and affirmation is paramount to avoid repetition
of history. We only need to look at the situation today in Darfur to
understand the importance of genocide affirmation and prevention. We
have a fundamental policy disagreement with the Administration and
will continue to press forward until the U.S. irrevocably affirms
the universal truth of the horrific crimes against humanity."
Ardouny recently met with Evans during a working visit to
Armenia. During their July 5 meeting, they discussed efforts to
strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations - including initiatives such as
the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
### NR#2006-066
Editor's Note: Below is the full text of the State Department's letter to
Congressman Markey.
United States Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Mr. Markey:
Thank you for your letter of May 22 concerning Ambassador John Evans.
All U.S. Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the President and as
advocates of the President's policies. Ambassador Evans recently
tendered his resignation as Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia,
but currently remains in charge of our Embassy in Yerevan. We continue
to work closely with him and his capable team. Please be assured that
allegations that the U.S. is removing Ambassador Evans under pressure
from the Government of Turkey are simply untrue.
The United States has never denied the tragic events of 1915. As
President Bush has expressed each year of his Presidency on Armenian
Remembrance Day, April 24, the Administration calls on all concerned
parties to engage in thoughtful introspection on the forced exile
and mass killing inflicted on as many as 1.5 million Armenians. The
Administration shares the profound sorrow of Armenian communities
around the world regarding this tremendous suffering. We believe
this tragedy is of such enormous human significance that its
characterization should be determined through heartfelt dialogue,
not through diplomatic or political proclamations.
Please let us know if we can be of assistance on this or any other
matter.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey T. Bergner Assistant Secretary - Legislative Affairs