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
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PRESS RELEASE

July 29, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES YOVANOVITCH

Armenian Assembly of America Committed to Strengthening U.S.-Armenia
Relations

Washington, DC – The Bush Administration’s nominee to serve as
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America to the Republic of Armenia, Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch,
was approved during today’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee
meeting, reported the Armenian Assembly of America. Senator Barbara
Boxer (D-CA) was recorded as a no vote stating that it was "a vote in
support of the truth," while Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) wanted to
make it clear that his affirmative vote was in no way an endorsement
of the Administration’s flawed policy on the subject of genocide
affirmation.

Senator Boxer stated that "where the U.S. stands on genocide is no
small matter" and expressed her continued frustration with the
Administration’s policy, stating that Ambassador Yovanovitch "still
cannot use the word genocide." Echoing Senator Boxer, Senator Menendez
recounted the series of questions he posed during the confirmation
hearing and expressed his continued concerns about Yovanovitch’s
inability to provide her own opinion regarding the historical fact of
the Armenian Genocide and the Administration’s failed policy in this
regard. Menendez also pointed out the absurdity of the
Administration’s stance, which sends the Ambassador every year to
commemorate the genocide at Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, in Yerevan, but
does not affirm it.

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) joined with his colleagues and agreed that
the Administration’s policy is not helpful. He also reminded his
colleagues of efforts by Turks and Armenians, such as the
International Center for Transitional Justice, which concluded that
the events of 1915 was indeed genocide.

In closing, Chairman Joseph Biden (D-DE) stated that he did not think
the Administration would come as far as it has without the consistent
pressure by his colleagues, Boxer and Menendez. Biden also thanked the
Armenian-American community, as he acknowledged the presence of
Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, Tatoul Markarian, at
today’s proceedings.

"The Assembly commends Chairman Biden, along with the continued
efforts of Senators Boxer and Menendez to ensure that affirmation of
the Armenian Genocide remains a front and center priority," said
Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We also
appreciate the support of Senator Cardin and all those on the
committee who have played a critical role throughout this process. The
community rightly expects that our Ambassador to Armenia follow in the
tradition of Morgenthau and Evans and squarely acknowledge this
horrific crime," continued Ardouny. "At the same time, Armenia has
made its desire known that it wishes to have an Ambassador to foster
and build the U.S.-Armenia relationship," added Ardouny.

Established in 1972, 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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