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Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE HOAGLAND
State Department Responds to Senator Biden's Letter
Washington, DC - After a lengthy confirmation process which challenged
the Bush Administration's policy on the Armenian Genocide, the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee today approved the nomination of
Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland as America's next Ambassador to
Armenia.
The panel vote, 13-5, clears a major hurdle for Hoagland, who has been
repeatedly questioned by Republican and Democratic lawmakers over U.S.
policy on the Armenian Genocide following his nomination by President
Bush to replace Ambassador John M. Evans. Senators Paul Sarbanes
(D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA)
and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) - all longtime supporters of U.S. reaffirmation
of the Armenian Genocide - voted against the nominee, citing concerns
over the Administration's flawed policy which neither denies nor
properly affirms the events as genocide.
"My vote is no," Kerry told Committee Members. "It is not against the
nominee personally, but against the Administration." Kerry said that
the U.S. must honor history and honor the truth, pointing to America's
own record as documented by U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry
Morgenthau who warned during the time of the killings that a "campaign
of race extermination" was in progress.
"It was the policy of our government to stop what was happening," Kerry
said. "For us to allow an Ambassador [John Evans] to be recalled
because he uttered the word genocide, is to cow tow."
Ambassador Evans was rebuked by the State Department after publicly
affirming that "the Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the
twentieth century." He tendered his resignation after serving only two
years of what is typically a three-year assignment. To date, the State
Department has provided no additional justification for Evans' departure
other than to say that all Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the
President and that allegations that Turkey was involved in pressuring
for his early departure are untrue.
More than 60 Member of Congress, including Boxer, voiced their support
for Evans' statements and sent letters to Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, seeking clarification for the circumstances surrounding his
departure. During the Committee deliberation, Boxer referenced a
statement by then-Governor George W. Bush, which said that Armenians
were subjected to a genocidal campaign that defies comprehension. The
February 2000 letter said that, "if elected President, I would ensure
that our nation properly recognizes the tragic suffering of the Armenian
people." Boxer told Committee Members that the President did not fulfill
his pledge, but Evans did acknowledge the truth and was recalled from
his post as a consequence.
Dodd focused on several world events, including the alarming situation
in Darfur, and also noted the approaching 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. "I think it's important at this point that we make a
stand," Dodd said, explaining his reasons for voting against the
nomination.
Sarbanes took issue with the Administration's explanation for Evans'
recall. Sarbanes said he welcomed Hoagland's revised responses but
raised questions as to the nominee's "understanding and sensitivity to
the answers in the first place."
Coleman said that understanding and remembering the truth about the
Armenian Genocide is vital. As a person of the Jewish faith, he said he
remembers growing up with the mentality of "Never Forget." He expressed
regret over the fact that the Administration is placing an Ambassador in
a position in which he cannot acknowledge the truth.
Ranking Member Joseph Biden (D-DE), said "it was his instinct" to vote
no for the all reasons cited by his colleagues. He said that the
Administrations policy is factually flawed and inconsistent, adding "it
is long past time for the Administration to acknowledge the historical
fact of the genocide."
"I am still deeply frustrated with the State Department's continuing
semantic games, but Richard Hoagland isn't responsible for the current
policy and it won't help Armenia or the U.S. if there is no American
Ambassador in Yerevan this fall," Biden told the Assembly. "At my
urging, the State Department has promised to have Ambassador Richard
Hoagland consult extensively with the Armenian-American community before
he departs for Yerevan."
Biden recently received a response to a letter he had written to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, concerning Hoagland. The State
Department letter noted that the President's annual statement on
Armenian Remembrance Day firmly sets the U.S. apart from those who would
deny or minimize the atrocities. [See letter attached.]
"The Administration's policy on this issue is not based on any desire to
show deference to Turkey," stated the letter from Jeffery Bergner,
Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs. "Rather, we were guided by
U.S. national interests which, in this case, means reconciliation
through an honest, unflinching examination of a tragedy of enormous
human significance."
The letter also stated that the State Department deals directly with the
Turkish Government and not foreign agents, and "at no point has the
State Department received any communication from the Turkish Government
urging a recall of Ambassador Evans."
Although the majority of the panel members voted in favor of Hoagland,
several said they disagreed with U.S. policy on the genocide but
recognized the important of having a U.S. envoy in Armenia.
Committee Chairman Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) noted that many
Senators raised concerns about the Administration's policy and noted
that "Armenia is very important to the U.S.- both culturally and
strategically."
"The Bush Administration's policy concerning the Armenian Genocide is
wrong and is untenable," Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) said in a press
statement. "[However] I believe it is in the best interest of the
U.S.-Armenia relationship to have an effective U.S. Ambassador in
place."
Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) said that everyone understands that what
happened was a genocide, however noted that the Administration must have
its reasons and that the U.S. needs to have an Ambassador in Armenia.
"Richard Hoagland is well equipped to take on this role of Ambassador to
Armenia and I look forward to supporting him with my vote on the floor
of the Senate," Senator George Allen (R-VA) told the Assembly. "I'm
confident that once confirmed, this fine University of Virginia graduate
and career diplomat will apply his wealth of knowledge and experience to
encourage stronger ties between Armenia and the United States."
"We appreciate the remarks of the Senators to squarely affirm the
Armenian Genocide and to urge the Administration to review and rethink
its current policy," said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The
historical truth is undeniable and we will continue to pursue universal
and irrevocable affirmation of the Armenian Genocide."
Hoagland previously told Committee Members that if approved, he will
faithfully represent the President's policy. The panel twice postponed a
vote on Hoagland. Both Biden and Kerry (D-MA) voiced concerns last
month and delayed consideration until today's meeting.
Hoagland, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently
serves as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan.
Previously, he served as Director of the Office of Caucasus and Central
Asian Affairs at the Department of State and as Director of the Office
of Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of South Asian Affairs.
The next step in the confirmation process is consideration by the full
Senate.
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.
###
NR#2006-078
How They Voted
YES, 13: Senators Richard E. Lugar (R-IN), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Lincoln
Chafee (R-RI), George Allen (R-VA), George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Lamar
Alexander (R-TN), John E. Sununu (R-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mel
Martinez (R-FL), Joseph Biden, Jr. (D-DE), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Bill
Nelson (D-FL), Barack Obama (D-IL).
NO, 5: Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Christopher
Dodd (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE HOAGLAND
State Department Responds to Senator Biden's Letter
Washington, DC - After a lengthy confirmation process which challenged
the Bush Administration's policy on the Armenian Genocide, the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee today approved the nomination of
Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland as America's next Ambassador to
Armenia.
The panel vote, 13-5, clears a major hurdle for Hoagland, who has been
repeatedly questioned by Republican and Democratic lawmakers over U.S.
policy on the Armenian Genocide following his nomination by President
Bush to replace Ambassador John M. Evans. Senators Paul Sarbanes
(D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA)
and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) - all longtime supporters of U.S. reaffirmation
of the Armenian Genocide - voted against the nominee, citing concerns
over the Administration's flawed policy which neither denies nor
properly affirms the events as genocide.
"My vote is no," Kerry told Committee Members. "It is not against the
nominee personally, but against the Administration." Kerry said that
the U.S. must honor history and honor the truth, pointing to America's
own record as documented by U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry
Morgenthau who warned during the time of the killings that a "campaign
of race extermination" was in progress.
"It was the policy of our government to stop what was happening," Kerry
said. "For us to allow an Ambassador [John Evans] to be recalled
because he uttered the word genocide, is to cow tow."
Ambassador Evans was rebuked by the State Department after publicly
affirming that "the Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the
twentieth century." He tendered his resignation after serving only two
years of what is typically a three-year assignment. To date, the State
Department has provided no additional justification for Evans' departure
other than to say that all Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the
President and that allegations that Turkey was involved in pressuring
for his early departure are untrue.
More than 60 Member of Congress, including Boxer, voiced their support
for Evans' statements and sent letters to Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, seeking clarification for the circumstances surrounding his
departure. During the Committee deliberation, Boxer referenced a
statement by then-Governor George W. Bush, which said that Armenians
were subjected to a genocidal campaign that defies comprehension. The
February 2000 letter said that, "if elected President, I would ensure
that our nation properly recognizes the tragic suffering of the Armenian
people." Boxer told Committee Members that the President did not fulfill
his pledge, but Evans did acknowledge the truth and was recalled from
his post as a consequence.
Dodd focused on several world events, including the alarming situation
in Darfur, and also noted the approaching 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. "I think it's important at this point that we make a
stand," Dodd said, explaining his reasons for voting against the
nomination.
Sarbanes took issue with the Administration's explanation for Evans'
recall. Sarbanes said he welcomed Hoagland's revised responses but
raised questions as to the nominee's "understanding and sensitivity to
the answers in the first place."
Coleman said that understanding and remembering the truth about the
Armenian Genocide is vital. As a person of the Jewish faith, he said he
remembers growing up with the mentality of "Never Forget." He expressed
regret over the fact that the Administration is placing an Ambassador in
a position in which he cannot acknowledge the truth.
Ranking Member Joseph Biden (D-DE), said "it was his instinct" to vote
no for the all reasons cited by his colleagues. He said that the
Administrations policy is factually flawed and inconsistent, adding "it
is long past time for the Administration to acknowledge the historical
fact of the genocide."
"I am still deeply frustrated with the State Department's continuing
semantic games, but Richard Hoagland isn't responsible for the current
policy and it won't help Armenia or the U.S. if there is no American
Ambassador in Yerevan this fall," Biden told the Assembly. "At my
urging, the State Department has promised to have Ambassador Richard
Hoagland consult extensively with the Armenian-American community before
he departs for Yerevan."
Biden recently received a response to a letter he had written to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, concerning Hoagland. The State
Department letter noted that the President's annual statement on
Armenian Remembrance Day firmly sets the U.S. apart from those who would
deny or minimize the atrocities. [See letter attached.]
"The Administration's policy on this issue is not based on any desire to
show deference to Turkey," stated the letter from Jeffery Bergner,
Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs. "Rather, we were guided by
U.S. national interests which, in this case, means reconciliation
through an honest, unflinching examination of a tragedy of enormous
human significance."
The letter also stated that the State Department deals directly with the
Turkish Government and not foreign agents, and "at no point has the
State Department received any communication from the Turkish Government
urging a recall of Ambassador Evans."
Although the majority of the panel members voted in favor of Hoagland,
several said they disagreed with U.S. policy on the genocide but
recognized the important of having a U.S. envoy in Armenia.
Committee Chairman Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) noted that many
Senators raised concerns about the Administration's policy and noted
that "Armenia is very important to the U.S.- both culturally and
strategically."
"The Bush Administration's policy concerning the Armenian Genocide is
wrong and is untenable," Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) said in a press
statement. "[However] I believe it is in the best interest of the
U.S.-Armenia relationship to have an effective U.S. Ambassador in
place."
Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) said that everyone understands that what
happened was a genocide, however noted that the Administration must have
its reasons and that the U.S. needs to have an Ambassador in Armenia.
"Richard Hoagland is well equipped to take on this role of Ambassador to
Armenia and I look forward to supporting him with my vote on the floor
of the Senate," Senator George Allen (R-VA) told the Assembly. "I'm
confident that once confirmed, this fine University of Virginia graduate
and career diplomat will apply his wealth of knowledge and experience to
encourage stronger ties between Armenia and the United States."
"We appreciate the remarks of the Senators to squarely affirm the
Armenian Genocide and to urge the Administration to review and rethink
its current policy," said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The
historical truth is undeniable and we will continue to pursue universal
and irrevocable affirmation of the Armenian Genocide."
Hoagland previously told Committee Members that if approved, he will
faithfully represent the President's policy. The panel twice postponed a
vote on Hoagland. Both Biden and Kerry (D-MA) voiced concerns last
month and delayed consideration until today's meeting.
Hoagland, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently
serves as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan.
Previously, he served as Director of the Office of Caucasus and Central
Asian Affairs at the Department of State and as Director of the Office
of Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of South Asian Affairs.
The next step in the confirmation process is consideration by the full
Senate.
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.
###
NR#2006-078
How They Voted
YES, 13: Senators Richard E. Lugar (R-IN), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Lincoln
Chafee (R-RI), George Allen (R-VA), George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Lamar
Alexander (R-TN), John E. Sununu (R-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mel
Martinez (R-FL), Joseph Biden, Jr. (D-DE), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Bill
Nelson (D-FL), Barack Obama (D-IL).
NO, 5: Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Christopher
Dodd (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA).