The Senate Subcommittee on European Affairs has approved John Marshall Evans' nomination as the United States Ambassador to Armenia. He is set to replace Ambassador John Ordway in the near future. As reported by the Armenian Assembly of America, during the hearing held June 16 with the participation of J. Evans, subcommittee Chairman Sen. George Allen (R-VA) noted that the United States should remain engaged in the South Caucasus and, should retain "strict parity" with respect to military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also indicated that the US government should do more to end the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockade of Armenia. In his turn John Evans said he would work to help Armenia continue to build up its democracy and economy. He also noted he planned to have frequent discussions with Turkey to encourage Ankara to open its borders with Armenia. Evans' nomination will next be considered by the full Senate.