US Ambassador to Armenia refuses to say "Armenian genocide"

According to APA, the Senate confirmed Richard Hoagland as Ambassador. Prior to this post, Hoagland was US extraordinary and plenipotentiary Ambassador to Tajikistan.

Before the voting in the Senate, pan-Armenian senators George Allen, Norm Coleman and Paul Sarbanes said the earlier recall of the previous Ambassador John Evans caused dissatisfaction in Armenia.

Claiming that the United States should recognize the "Armenian genocide", these senators demanded the new Ambassador Hoagland to make assessment of the 1915 events. Despite insistence of the senators, Hoagland did not use the expression "Armenian genocide" in his speech.

"President Bush assessed the 1915 events as unforgettable tragic events. I represent the President and share his opinions," Richard Hoagland said.

Hoagland also said he will try to implement projects on regional cooperation among Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia during his new mission.

The previous US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans was recalled on March 7 this year. The newspaper "California Courier" writes it was due to his statement on the policy of genocide against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire.

In his meeting with Armenian community in San Francisco a year ago, John Evans pointed out possibility of recognizing the so-called Armenian genocide. Seeing this statement sparked serious dissatisfaction, Evans told a news conference in US Embassy that his statement was unofficially made and does not represent his country’s official position.

"At the meeting with Armenian community, I told that US position regarding the Armenian tragedy remains the same. I used the word "genocide" that time but this word belongs to me-John Evans only, not a politician. But I must admit my statements were out of place," the Ambassador said.