Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
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PRESS RELEASE
April 8, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
SENATOR ENSIGN REQUESTS CLARIFICATION REGARDING PHILIP GORDON NOMINATION
Asks if Designate Gordon’s Position is Consistent with that of President
Obama
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Senator John Ensign (R-NV) sent a strongly
worded letter to the Department of State Assistant Secretary Designate
for European and Eurasian Affairs, Dr. Philip Gordon, reported the
Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
In his letter, Senator Ensign referenced the records of President Barack
Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Jr. and Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton, all of whom, while serving in the U.S. Senate, supported S.Res.
106, legislation that Senator Ensign and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL)
spearheaded to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide.
In 2008, President Obama issued a statement proclaiming that "an
official policy that calls on diplomats to distort the historical facts
is an untenable policy." In his letter, Senator Ensign asked Designate
Gordon if he will in any way discourage Ambassadors from using the term
Armenian Genocide, and also asks in no uncertain terms if he agrees with
President Obama’s statements on the Armenian Genocide.
"We commend Senator Ensign for his continued commitment regarding U.S.
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide," stated Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. "As we mark Genocide Prevention Month this
April, the time has come to ensure that all U.S. Ambassadors and
officials can squarely reference the historical fact of the Armenian
Genocide," continued Ardouny.
In January, the Assembly launched a new website dedicated to affirmation
of the Armenian Genocide. The Assembly continues to encourage all people
of goodwill to send a letter to President Obama regarding this critical
human rights matters and in so doing, become an Ambassador of
Affirmation.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR#2009-028
Editor’s Note:
Senator John Ensign’s letter
040709_Nomination_Philip_Gordon.pdf