LOS ANGELES, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) today praised Senator Diane Feinstein’s concerns regarding the dismissal of former Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans. The Senator, in her correspondence with the Western Region, shared that she is closely looking into the nomination of Richard Hoagland to be the next Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia.

In her letter to the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region, Senator Feinstein expressed severe misgivings about the dismissal of John Marshall Evans and the nomination of Richard Hoagland as the next Ambassador to Armenia. Senator Feinstein further solidified her commitment to recognizing the Armenian Genocide and in representing the views and concerns of Armenian Americans in California, as well as throughout the United States.

The correspondence includes the Senator’s most recent statement on the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. “Everyday, numerous constituents from different backgrounds call my office asking what Congress and the Administration is doing to prevent genocide from occurring again,” states Feinstein. “It is absolutely essential that we do not let history repeat itself. We can – and we must – do better.”

Richard Hoagland was first nominated as Ambassador-designate on May 23, 2006 by President Bush. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), took a principled stance on September 12, 2006 by placing a parliamentary hold on the nomination of Hoagland and urged the Administration to revise its policy on the Armenian Genocide. On December 8th of last year, after the Senate failed to confirm Hoagland, his nomination was returned to the President upon the adjournment of the 109th Congress. With the expiration of the Hoagland nomination, the President was free to appoint a new candidate for the position in the 110th Congress, but chose instead to submit Hoagland’s name again despite strong Congressional opposition to his confirmation.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.