Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: anca@anca.org
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE
February 24, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA DISCUSSES ARMENIAN AMERICAN CONCERNS
WITH U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA JOHN EVANS

— Talks Include Special Focus on U.S.
Policy on the Armenian Genocide

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
met this week with Ambassador John Marshall Evans, the U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia.

The meeting, held in the ANCA offices in Washington, DC, was
characterized by a substantive and meaningful exchange on a broad
range of issues of concern to Armenian Americans, particularly U.S.
recognition and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Joining
Ambassador Evans were Aaron Sherinian, the U.S. Embassy’s Political
Officer and Assistance Coordinator in Yerevan, and Robin Phillips,
the USAID-Armenia Mission Director.

The Ambassador’s meeting with the ANCA followed a two week tour of
Armenian American communities in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San
Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno and Washington, DC. During his
presentations in these cities, the Ambassador spoke with a level of
candor on the historical reality of the Genocide that was
specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans.

“We welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with the Ambassador,
and value his insights and clarity regarding our nation’s diplomacy
toward Armenia and the region,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive
Director of the ANCA. “Along with those who heard him speak during
his public lectures around the nation, we appreciate the
forthrightness of his remarks about the Armenian Genocide. We take
note of the fact they coincide with a new level of awareness within
the Administration, and the American public, regarding the current
attitudes in Turkey toward the United States.”

Commenting in the wake of the Ambassador’s visit, ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian said, “On this 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
we urge the Bush Administration to take the decisive step of
breaking with Turkey’s shameful campaign of genocide denial. The
time has come for the U.S. government to adopt a fresh and positive
approach to the Armenian Genocide issue – in terms of both White
House and Congressional initiatives – in a manner consistent with
our nation’s moral obligations to truth and justice, and in light
of new realities in the region.”