Today, Azerbaijan
June 30 2006
US Ambassador to Armenia refuses to say "Armenian genocide"
30 June 2006 [11:00] – Today.Az
New US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Hoagland has taken up his
duties. Former US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans was discharged
after he claimed his recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide.
According to APA, the Senate confirmed Richard Hoagland as
Ambassador. Prior to this post, Hoagland was US extraordinary and
plenipotentiary Ambassador to Tajikistan.
Before the voting in the Senate, pan-Armenian senators George Allen,
Norm Coleman and Paul Sarbanes said the earlier recall of the
previous Ambassador John Evans caused dissatisfaction in Armenia.
Claiming that the United States should recognize the "Armenian
genocide", these senators demanded the new Ambassador Hoagland to
make assessment of the 1915 events. Despite insistence of the
senators, Hoagland did not use the expression "Armenian genocide" in
his speech.
"President Bush assessed the 1915 events as unforgettable tragic
events. I represent the President and share his opinions," Richard
Hoagland said.
Hoagland also said he will try to implement projects on regional
cooperation among Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia during his
new mission.
The previous US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans was recalled on
March 7 this year. The newspaper "California Courier" writes it was
due to his statement on the policy of genocide against Armenians by
the Ottoman Empire.
In his meeting with Armenian community in San Francisco a year ago,
John Evans pointed out possibility of recognizing the so-called
Armenian genocide. Seeing this statement sparked serious
dissatisfaction, Evans told a news conference in US Embassy that his
statement was unofficially made and does not represent his country’s
official position.
"At the meeting with Armenian community, I told that US position
regarding the Armenian tragedy remains the same. I used the word
"genocide" that time but this word belongs to me-John Evans only, not
a politician. But I must admit my statements were out of place," the
Ambassador said.
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