The Armenian Genocide issue was discussed November 10 at the sitting of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during which Mr. Ross Wilson was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey. “I am speaking on my behalf but I think every person needs recollections of the past. If nothing else but to prevent its repetition not only for Armenians but for all of us,” Senator George Allen stated stressing that the Genocide recognition remains an important factor for the American-Turkish relations. During the sitting Senator Paul Sarbanes addressed Mr. Wilson a number of questions the American Armenians are concerned about. Special attention was paid to the blockade imposed by Turkey on Armenia. “For over 10 years Turkey has been blocking the Armenian border, thus violating international laws and seriously damaging Armenia’s economy. Which are the steps you are going to undertake to end blockade against Armenia?” asked Sarbanes. Ross Wilson answered that “the longstanding US policy lies in promoting it and he will address that issue himself.”
Answering a question on accusations against Orhan Pamuk and Hrant Dink, Ross Wilson remarked, “First of all regarding that historical issue the US President makes an annual address in memory of Armenians, who died in Eastern Anatolia after the World War I. The statements are different each year, however they have in common the recognition that the events in early 20th century are a horrible page of history and it is necessary to support the parties to engage in the discussion of what had happened,” he stated. As of accusations of Pamuk and Dink, R. Wilson remarked the articles providing for limitation of freedom of speech and punishment for its expression should be removed from the Turkish Criminal Code. Armenian National Committee of America executive director Aram Hamparian hoped for “not only Senators Allen and Sarbanes, but also others serving on the Foreign Relations Committee will continue attempts to understand the attitude of the Ambassador appointed to Ankara and other diplomats towards these issues.” The final approval of the candidacy of the Ambassador in the Commission and later in the Senate are expected November 24. It should be noted that Ross Wilson was formerly US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, reported RFE/RL.
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