Armenians launch campaign against US envoy to Turkey
YEREVAN – The Armenian community in the United States has launched a campaign against the US ambassador to Turkey, ahead of next Tuesday’s hearings in a House of Representatives panel on the approval of his nomination to the post.
After Francis Ricciardone’s approval was stalled due to the opposition of several senators, President Barack Obama early this year bypassed the usual Senate confirmation process to appoint him. However, the so-called recess appointment is temporary, lasting only until the Congressional session ends in late 2011.
The Armenian National Committee of America has said in a statement that Ricciardone’s stance on some issues raises questions. ANCA called on congressmen to comprehensively query the diplomat on the issues including the alleged World War I-era genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, religious freedoms in Turkey and Washington-Ankara relations.
The Armenian lobby and pro-Armenian senators are also making an effort to counter the approval of US ambassadors to Azerbaijan and Armenia Matthew Bryza and John Heffern.
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