ARCHBISHOP BARSAMIAN RESPONDS TO RICCIARDONE’S STATEMENT

Tert.am
22.08.11

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of Diocese of Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), has sent a letter to US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton responding to assertions made by Ambassador Francis
Ricciardone, President Barack Obama’s recess appointment to serve as
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.

Answering a question from New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, Amb.

Ricciardone had said, “Most of the Christian churches functioning prior
to 1915 are still operating as churches. Some churches of significance
operate as museums. The remaining have fallen into disrepair or were
converted to mosques for lack of use.”

Barsamian said, “Ambassador Ricciardone deeply offended
Armenian-Americans with his remarks, opening sensitive wounds and
potentially setting back the gradual process of healing.” He added,
“In all charity, perhaps the Ambassador is simply unaware of certain
facts. But mastery of the history of a country, its dark as well as
bright chapters, is essential to serving the United States effectively
and diplomatically in this important and complex region.”