REP. PALLONE URGES SENATE TO BLOCK HOAGLAND NOMINATION

Washington, DC, July 27. ArmInfo. In a July 25th speech on the House
floor, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
called on the U.S. Senate to block the nomination of Richard Hoagland
to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).

In his remarks, the New Jersey legislator outlined the reasons for
his opposition, notably Ambassador-designate Hoagland’s denial of the
Armenian Genocide and his evasiveness and lack of responsiveness to
Senate inquiries. He also highlighted the failure of the Administration
to respond honestly to communications it held with the Turkish
government concerning the firing of current U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans over his February 2005 remarks affirming the
Armenian Genocide.

Congressman Pallone closed his speech by noting his "fear that
sending an ambassador to Yerevan who denies the Armenian genocide
would represent a tragic escalation in the Bush administration’s
ignorance and support in Turkey’s campaign of genocide denial. The
State Department has reported to Senate offices that they expect
Ambassador Designate Hoagland to be confirmed during a business meeting
early next week. I would urge the Senate to block his nomination
until this administration recognizes the Armenian genocide."