Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today called on President George W. Bush to propose a new candidacy to serve as US Ambassador in Armenia instead of Richard Hoagland, who was blocked by the US Senate, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Senators Menendez and Reid, citing the growing Hoagland controversy, recommended, in a December 1, 2006 letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, that the best way to move this process forward would be for “the President to withdraw his nomination of Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia and to propose a new candidate to serve in this important position.” In their words, the tough stand of the Armenian community in the USA against Hoagland’s designation will serve United State’s national interests.
“Armenian Americans welcome the principled stand taken today by Senators Menendez and Reid in defense of our nation’s fundamental commitment to recognizing, preventing and punishing genocide,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. “We deeply appreciate their leadership and value their understanding of the simple truth that a denier of the Armenian Genocide cannot effectively promote U.S. interests or American values in Armenia – a country that rose from the ashes of Turkey’s brutal campaign of extermination and exile.” He said.
It is worth mentioning that the new Congress of the USA begins its work in January. In the new Congress the majority belongs to Democrats, who are against George Bush’s policy in denying the Armenian Genocide. According to the US Constitution, the president can either present a new candidacy or again offer Richard Hoagland’s candidacy. He also can seize the opportunity of break in Congress’ works and designate the Ambassador in Armenia without confirmation in Senate. In this case the senators will no have veto power.
