WHITE HOUSE REMEMBERS ABOUT APPOINTING AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA, AMERICAN DIPLOMAT SAYS

ARMENPRESS
Sept 24 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires in
Armenia, Rudolph Perina, said today the State Department in Washington
has not forgotten about nominating an ambassador to Armenia.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan after signing a memorandum with
Armenian office of prosecutor-general Pernia said the candidate is
to be picked by the president and approved by the Senate.

"This issue is being discussed. However, I am not aware when and who
will be nominated. One thing I can say for sure: it won’t be me,"
Perina said.

On August 3, following a year of Armenian American organizations’
opposition the White House announced the withdrawal of the nomination
of Richard Hoagland, whose appointment was twice blocked by Senator
Robert Menendez.

"A genocide denier must never represent the U.S. in Armenia,"
Menendez argued.