YEREVAN.- Former U.S. Ambassador John Evans said he realized the consequences when he was openly speaking about Armenia’s history.

“When I talked about it back in 2005 in California I could imagine what implications would follow,” he said in the course of “100 Questions, 100 Answers” discussions held in Yerevan on Thursday.

He recalled that after this statement he continued to hold the post for the next 18 months.

Speaking about the 1915 events back in 2005 Evans said, “I will today call it the Armenian Genocide. I think we, the U.S. government, owe you, our fellow citizens a more frank and honest way of discussing this problem. The Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the 20th century. I pledge to you, we are going to do a better job at addressing this issue.”