Rep. Pallone Urges Senate to Block Hoagland Nomination

PanARMENIAN.Net - In a July 25th speech on the House floor, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) called on the U.S. Senate to block the nomination of Richard Hoagland to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Armenia.



In his remarks, the New Jersey legislator outlined the reasons for his opposition, notably Ambassador-designate Hoagland's denial of the Armenian Genocide and his evasiveness and lack of responsiveness to Senate inquiries. He also highlighted the failure of the Administration to respond honestly to communications it held with the Turkish government concerning the firing of current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans over his February 2005 remarks affirming the Armenian Genocide.



Congressman Pallone closed his speech by noting his "fear that sending an ambassador to Yerevan who denies the Armenian genocide would represent a tragic escalation in the Bush administration's ignorance and support in Turkey's campaign of genocide denial. The State Department has reported to Senate offices that they expect Ambassador Designate Hoagland to be confirmed during a business meeting early next week. I would urge the Senate to block his nomination until this administration recognizes the Armenian genocide," reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).