ANCA to honor Robert Menendez with Freedom Award

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region will be honoring United States Senator Robert Menendez with its highest honor, the prestigious Freedom Award, at the Third Annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet hosted by the Armenian Cultural Association of America on Oct. 3 in New York City, The Armenian Weekly reports.



"We are proud to be honoring Senator Menendez," said ACAA Board Member George Aghjayan. "The Senator from New Jersey acted with distinction when he placed a hold on Richard Hoagland's nomination and has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the Armenian American community."



For over 16 years, Menendez has been an ardent advocate of Armenian American concerns in the state of New Jersey and nationally. From ensuring that the United States honestly addresses the issue of the Armenian Genocide to speaking out on the right of self-determination for the people of Nagorno-Karabagh, Menendez has championed truth, justice, and the principles of freedom so cherished by the Armenian American community.



During the 109th Congress (2005-06), Menendez received nationwide attention after making history by placing a hold on the appointment of Ambassador designate to the Republic of Armenia, Richard Hoagland.



When asked about his motivation for placing a hold, Menendez stated, "I believe that the United States, Armenia, and all who are committed to human rights should support an ambassador to Armenia who recognizes the genocide that took place there more than 90 years ago."





Turkey and Azerbaijan's blockades of Armenia, Karabagh, and foreign aid to Armenia. Several months later, in September 2008, Menendez led the effort in questioning the administration's nominee, James Jeffrey, to serve as U.S. ambassador to Turkey during his confirmation hearing.



Most recently, in January 2009, Menendez questioned President Obama's nominee, Senator Hillary Clinton, to serve as secretary of state during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing. During the nationally televised hearing, Menendez said, "I hope that the support that you gave while you were a Senator to the question of the Armenian Genocide, that the president-elect has himself supported, recognition of that. You know, if we are to say never again, part of that is ultimately the recognition of what has happened so that we can move forward. And I hope that you will be an advocate of having us get off of where we have been and move forward to a recognition of that part of history that is universally recognized so that we can move forward in that respect."