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``Armenian Tragedy'' or Genocide
WASHINGTON (Associated Press) - The union of career diplomats has
withdrawn an award it had granted to the U.S. ambassador to Armenia,
John Evans, who classified as ``genocide'' the deaths of large numbers
of Armenians at Turkish hands in 1915.
Evans' comments to an Armenian group in California did not reflect
official U.S. policy. In recognition of his independent stand, the
American Foreign Service Association decided to present Evans with its
``constructive dissent award.''
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the association decided to
withdraw the award because Evans did not meet the selection criteria.
It said that after complaints from Turkey, Evans amended his remarks
to say the events of 1915 represented an ``Armenian tragedy'' but not
a genocide.
The Post reported that Evans said he had used the term ``genocide'' in
his ``personal capacity'' during ``informal meetings,'' and ``this was
inappropriate.''
The newspaper said the association decided to withdraw the award
shortly before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with
President George W. Bush on Wednesday in Washington.
Separately, Armenia's foreign minister also was scheduled to hold
talks this week with senior officials.
06/09/05
WASHINGTON (Associated Press) - The union of career diplomats has
withdrawn an award it had granted to the U.S. ambassador to Armenia,
John Evans, who classified as ``genocide'' the deaths of large numbers
of Armenians at Turkish hands in 1915.
Evans' comments to an Armenian group in California did not reflect
official U.S. policy. In recognition of his independent stand, the
American Foreign Service Association decided to present Evans with its
``constructive dissent award.''
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the association decided to
withdraw the award because Evans did not meet the selection criteria.
It said that after complaints from Turkey, Evans amended his remarks
to say the events of 1915 represented an ``Armenian tragedy'' but not
a genocide.
The Post reported that Evans said he had used the term ``genocide'' in
his ``personal capacity'' during ``informal meetings,'' and ``this was
inappropriate.''
The newspaper said the association decided to withdraw the award
shortly before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with
President George W. Bush on Wednesday in Washington.
Separately, Armenia's foreign minister also was scheduled to hold
talks this week with senior officials.
06/09/05