NEW US AMB TO ARMENIA REBUFFS USE OF ‘GENOCIDE’, DESPITE SENATORS’ DEMANDS
Author: R. Abdullayev

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 29 2006

The candidate to the post of US Ambassador to Armenia, Richard
Hoagland, addressing to the Committee on international relationships
and did not use the word ‘genocide’ in his speech, Trend reports
citing the Turkish media. Hoagland was in need of Senate support to
achieve the adoption of his candidacy.

However, three pro-Armenian senators – George Allen and Norm Coleman,
republicans, as well as Paul Sarbanes, a democrat, demanded from
Hoagland to recognize the so-called ‘genocide’ of Armenian in Osmanly
Empire.

Despite the insisting questions by three senators Hoagland did not
used that word. "I’d not back ‘game of words’ and call on looking
forwards rather back, the US diplomat stressed.

In case of appointment to the post of Ambassador to Armenia, Hoagland
committed himself to support the development of regional relationships
between Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

John Evans, the former US Ambassador to Armenia, was recalled by the
US President George W. Bush in 2005 due to use of a word ‘genocide’,
regarding the events of 1915 in Osmanly Empire.

Currently Hoagland is acting US Ambassador to Tajikistan.