Sen. Menendez: if Bush doesn't recognize Armenia Genocide, then the next President will

October 2, 2007 - 16:52 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Recognizing his principled stand on the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian National Committee of America (Western Region) honored Sen. Robert Menendez as Man of the Year during the ANCA's annual banquet on Sept. 30, 2007 in Los Angeles.



In an exclusive interview with Harut Sassounian, California Courier, Sen. Menendez said he had become aware of the Armenian Genocide many years ago as a member of the House of Representatives. The Senator stated that he had learned of the Hoagland controversy from ANCA and publications on this issue.



In his remarks at the ANCA banquet, Sen. Menendez said that the next nominee as Ambassador to Armenia should be able to answer the following question: "Do you agree that there was an Armenian Genocide?" He clearly implied that a "no" answer would subject him or her to the same fate as Amb. Hoagland.



Sen. Menendez ended his remarks by urging Pres. Bush to change his policy and acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. If he won't, then the next President will, said the Senator to thunderous applause.



On August 3, following a year of Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) led Armenian American community opposition to the controversial appointment of an Armenian Genocide denier as U.S. envoy to Yerevan, the White House announced the withdrawal of the nomination of Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia.



The appointment was twice blocked by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). A genocide denier must never represent the U.S. in Armenia, according to him.
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