During Tuesday’s confirmation hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Robert Menendez reiterated the importance of U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide stating that it was a “critical” issue, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

In a series of questions addressed to Ambassador-Designate Francis Ricciardone, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Senator Menendez clearly indicated that there cannot be reconciliation without acknowledgment of the Genocide, and asked if Ambassador Ricciardone had ever attended an Armenian Genocide commemoration during his prior service in Turkey. 

Mr. Ricciardone noted that he had not attended a commemoration, but did meet with the Armenian Patriarch, and also visited Harpout, which he indicated was once home to a vibrant Armenian community. 

“On behalf of the Armenian Assembly's 2010 Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class, I wish to convey our appreciation to Senator Menendez for his forceful questioning of the nominee. We fully concur with his assessment of Turkey and the need for much more progress,” said Ani Tramblian, a Modern Foreign Languages Major who is interning with the Armenian National Institute.