ANCA: Sen. Ensign Raises Concern Over Evans Firing

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

SEN. ENSIGN RAISES CONCERN OVER RECALL OF U.S. AMBASSADOR TO
ARMENIA

WASHINGTON, DC – In remarks delivered on the Senate floor, John
Ensign (R-NV) has shared with his colleagues his "justifiable
concern" regarding the circumstances of the Administration’s
controversial recall of the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
Marshall Evans, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).

"We appreciate Senator Ensign’s expression of concern regarding the
circumstances of Ambassador Evans’ recall and value his leadership
in working toward U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide," said
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We share the Senator’s
view that it is simply unacceptable to dismiss a U.S. Ambassador
over the failure of our government to officially recognize the
Armenian Genocide."

The Nevada Republican, in a September 29th speech, described as
"unacceptable" reports that, "the recall of Ambassador Evans
revolves around the failure of our Government to officially
recognize the Armenian genocide." A long-time leader of Senate
efforts to secure official recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
the Senator stressed that, "The bigger issue is not that of an
appointment of this or any official who recognizes his duties and
will be diligent in carrying them out but of acknowledging the
genocide as part of an appropriate foreign policy."

The full text of Senator Ensign’s speech is provided below.

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NOMINATION OF RICHARD HOAGLAND
Senate – September 29, 2006

Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise to speak today about an issue of
great importance to the Armenian community, the nomination of
Richard Hoagland to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of
Armenia.

I respect the office of the President and the powers that are
granted to appoint individuals that are in support of the
administration’s agenda; however, there is justifiable concern
about the recall of our Ambassador to a regionally important
country and the subsequent nomination of his replacement. The
reported reason for the recall of Ambassador Evans revolves around
the failure of our Government to officially recognize the Armenian
genocide. That is unacceptable.

Once again, I want to go on record as being opposed to the
continued denial of the Armenian genocide. The bigger issue is not
that of an appointment of this or any official who recognizes his
duties and will be diligent in carrying them out but of
acknowledging the genocide as part of an appropriate foreign
policy.

I have long sought to bring recognition to the crimes perpetuated
against the Armenian people as genocide. In fact, I have introduced
S. Res. 320, which affirms the Armenian genocide. The resolution
calls on the President to state that the slaughter of Armenians by
the Ottoman Empire was genocide and to recall the proud history of
U.S. intervention in opposition to the Armenian genocide. It is
important that the U.S. once and for all reaffirms the
incontestable facts of history and allows our representatives to
speak out about the crimes perpetuated against the Armenian people
from 1915 to 1923. It is my sincere hope that this legislation
comes before the full Senate soon.

As we fight to ensure freedom around the globe, we must ensure that
our future reflects the lessons of the past. In this case the facts
are incontestable. Armenians were subjected to deportation,
expropriation, abduction, torture, massacre, and starvation. Yes,
the Armenian people were victims of genocide. Genocide at any time,
at any place, is wrong and needs to be confronted and remembered.

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