AMERICAN SENATORS INSIST ON NEW CANDIDACY FOR AMBASSADOR IN ARMENIA
PanARMENIAN.Net
12.12.2006 16:28 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
today called on President George W. Bush to propose a new candidacy
to serve as US Ambassador in Armenia instead of Richard Hoagland,
who was blocked by the US Senate, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA). Senators Menendez and Reid, citing the
growing Hoagland controversy, recommended, in a December 1, 2006
letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, that the best way to
move this process forward would be for "the President to withdraw his
nomination of Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia and to
propose a new candidate to serve in this important position."
In their words, the tough stand of the Armenian community in the USA
against Hoagland’s designation will serve United State’s national
interests.
"Armenian Americans welcome the principled stand taken today by
Senators Menendez and Reid in defense of our nation’s fundamental
commitment to recognizing, preventing and punishing genocide," said
ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "We deeply appreciate their leadership
and value their understanding of the simple truth that a denier of
the Armenian Genocide cannot effectively promote U.S. interests or
American values in Armenia – a country that rose from the ashes of
Turkey’s brutal campaign of extermination and exile." He said.
It is worth mentioning that the new Congress of the USA begins its
work in January. In the new Congress the majority belongs to Democrats,
who are against George Bush’s policy in denying the Armenian Genocide.
According to the US Constitution, the president can either present
a new candidacy or again offer Richard Hoagland’s candidacy. He also
can seize the opportunity of break in Congress’ works and designate
the Ambassador in Armenia without confirmation in Senate. In this
case the senators will no have veto power.