WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) met this week with Ambassador John Marshall Evans, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia.

The meeting, held in the ANCA offices in Washington, DC, was characterized by a substantive and meaningful exchange on a broad range of issues of concern to Armenian Americans, particularly U.S. recognition and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Joining Ambassador Evans were Aaron Sherinian, the U.S. Embassy’s Political Officer and Assistance Coordinator in Yerevan, and Robin Phillips, the USAID-Armenia Mission Director.

The Ambassador’s meeting with the ANCA followed a two week tour of Armenian American communities in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno and Washington, DC. During his presentations in these cities, the Ambassador spoke with a level of candor on the historical reality of the Genocide that was specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans.

“We welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with the Ambassador, and value his insights and clarity regarding our nation’s diplomacy toward Armenia and the region,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “Along with those who heard him speak during his public lectures around the nation, we appreciate the forthrightness of his remarks about the Armenian Genocide. We take note of the fact they coincide with a new level of awareness within the Administration, and the American public, regarding the current attitudes in Turkey toward the United States.”

Commenting in the wake of the Ambassador’s visit, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian said, “On this 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we urge the Bush Administration to take the decisive step of breaking with Turkey’s shameful campaign of genocide denial. The time has come for the U.S. government to adopt a fresh and positive approach to the Armenian Genocide issue – in terms of both White House and Congressional initiatives – in a manner consistent with our nation’s moral obligations to truth and justice, and in light of new realities in the region.”