Rep. Costa calls on new U.S. ambassador nominee to answer questions on Armenian Genocide
On May 8, 2008, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), a long time friend and supporter of the Armenian American Community, sent a letter to Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch, the new ambassadorial nominee of the United States to the Republic of Armenia, requesting her to answer questions regarding her views and opinions about the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
"It is important that the United States fill this empty diplomatic position in Yerevan, Armenia," said Costa. "But before she is confirmed by the United States Senate, it is critical for my constituents and me to know her thoughts on the first genocide of the 20th century: the Armenian Genocide," he added.
"In light of the events that took place with previous ambassadorial nominee Richard Hoagland, the Armenian American community welcomes Rep. Costa's tough questions to Ambassador Yovanovitch on the subject of the Armenian Genocide," said Andrew Kzirian, ANC-WR Executive Director. "It is imperative that the next ambassador of the United States to Armenia accepts the importance of Genocide recognition," he added.
Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch currently serves as the United States Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. On March 28, 2008, President George W. Bush announced plans to nominate Yovanovitch as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. Yovanovitch will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for confirmation hearings, followed by a confirmation vote by the panel and the Senate, before she is officially appointed.
"It is important that the United States fill this empty diplomatic position in Yerevan, Armenia," said Costa. "But before she is confirmed by the United States Senate, it is critical for my constituents and me to know her thoughts on the first genocide of the 20th century: the Armenian Genocide," he added.
"In light of the events that took place with previous ambassadorial nominee Richard Hoagland, the Armenian American community welcomes Rep. Costa's tough questions to Ambassador Yovanovitch on the subject of the Armenian Genocide," said Andrew Kzirian, ANC-WR Executive Director. "It is imperative that the next ambassador of the United States to Armenia accepts the importance of Genocide recognition," he added.
Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch currently serves as the United States Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. On March 28, 2008, President George W. Bush announced plans to nominate Yovanovitch as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. Yovanovitch will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for confirmation hearings, followed by a confirmation vote by the panel and the Senate, before she is officially appointed.
