ANCA WELCOMES MENENDEZ "HOLD" ON THE HOAGLAND NOMINATION

"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." -- Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)


WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today welcomed the "hold" placed by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) on the confirmation of Richard E. Hoagland as the next U.S. Ambassador to Armenia based on his opposition to the Bush Administration's refusal to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

"We join with Armenians from New Jersey and throughout the United States in thanking Senator Menendez for his principled stand in blocking the Hoagland nomination," said Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the ANCA. "The Senator's hold represents a victory for our nation's standing on human rights and genocide-prevention."

In blocking the Hoagland nomination, Sen. Menendez stressed that, "as a leader and defender of democracy, it is our nation's responsibility to speak out against injustice and support equality and human rights. But if the Bush Administration continues to refuse to acknowledge the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, then there is certainly cause for great alarm, which is why I am placing a hold on this nominee." He added that, "I will continue to work with my colleagues in the United States Senate to make strides toward ensuring that all people, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, receive protection from policies of discrimination and hate that lead to genocide."

Since February of this year, the ANCA has led nationwide efforts to demand answers concerning the recall of Ambassador Evans and, later, to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal character of Ottoman Turkey's systematic destruction of its Armenian population. Read the complete ANCA Press Release, including the statement by Sen. Robert Menendez.

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Please thank Sen. Menendez for placing a hold on the Hoagland nomination:
Call (202) 224-4744 and leave a message expressing your appreciation for his principled stand against Genocide denial.