Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
Web:
MEDIA ALERT
September 6, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: ckojoian@aaainc.org
Schumer Calls on Hoagland to Clarify Position on Armenian Genocide
Washington, DC – On the eve of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
consideration of Richard E. Hoagland as America’s next Ambassador to
Armenia, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), sent a letter to Hoagland
criticizing the Administration’s policy on the Armenian Genocide and
urging the nominee to clarify his position on the matter.
In his letter, Schumer also expressed concern that the current
Ambassador, John M. Evans, is being prematurely replaced for properly
recognizing the Armenian Genocide. "I am concerned that the Senate
is reviewing your nomination for this post as a result of Ambassador
Evans’ departure, possibly because of statements he made which,
in my view, accurately describe the Armenian Genocide as such,"
Schumer wrote.
"We commend Senator Schumer for his critical examination of
Ambassador-designate Hoagland and his strong support of reaffirmation
of the Armenian Genocide," said Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny. "We have a fundamental policy disagreement with the
Administration. The U.S. should squarely affirm the historical truth
of the Armenian Genocide."
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.
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Editor’s Note: The text of the letter to Ambassador-designate Hoagland
follows:
September 6, 2006
The Honorable Richard E. Hoagland United States Department of State
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. Hoagland:
I write regarding your nomination to replace Ambassador John M. Evans
as Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. I am concerned that the
Senate is reviewing your nomination for this post as a result of
Ambassador Evans’ departure, possibly because of statements he made
which, in my view, accurately describe the Armenian Genocide as such.
As you are well aware, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed
and forced into exile between 1915-1923. Armenians, including women
and children, were driven over mountains and deserts. Others were
deported to relocation centers in Syria and Mesopotamia. Armenia was
shrunk to less than a one-fourth of its original size. On July 24,
1915, US Consul Leslle Davis wrote to Ambassador Henry Morgenthau,
"It has been no secret that the plan was to destroy the Armenian race
as a race…" The history and facts surrounding the events between
1915 and 1923 clearly show that the Armenian Genocide was the first
of the 20th century. I am concerned that the United States’ official
position on this issue does not reflect these facts.
To further assist me in the consideration of your nomination, please
provide answers to the following questions:
1. The U.S. Government acknowledges the "mass killings" and "forced
exile" of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians at the end of the Ottoman
Empire. What distinguishes these terms from "genocide"? Why is this
not officially recognized as genocide?
2. In your written testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee, you state many times that, "the U.S. believes that
establishing a productive dialogue on these events is the best way
to achieve reconciliation, peace and stability in the region…"
Please explain how a "productive dialogue" on this topic furthers
peace and stability.
3. You also wrote that, "This tragedy is of such enormous human
significance that its historical assessment should be determined
not on the basis of politics, but through heartfelt introspection
among civic leaders, scholars, and the societies at large." In 1998,
a group of 150 scholars and writers, which included a Nobel Laureate,
professors of history, theology, and law, honored the 50th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide, and encouraged it be recognized as such.
Please explain how "introspection" rather than historical analysis will
persuade the US Government to finally recognize the "mass killings"
as genocide?
4. Under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
the Crime of Genocide, which the U.S. is a party, it was decided that
genocide occurs when three criteria are met. Please explain how the
killing and exile of the 1.5 million Armenians do not establish at
least three of these criteria.
5. Please describe your education and training on the Armenian
Genocide, including, but not limited to, listing all the books and
literature you have read on the matter.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Sincerely, Charles E. Schumer United States Senator
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