During his confirmation hearing earlier today before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Francis Ricciardone, President Obama’s nominee for a full term as Ambassador to Turkey, dodged around a series of pointed questions from Senator Menendez about U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide. 

Ricciardone offered weak responses to concerns raised by senators concerning the rights and welfare of the increasingly vulnerable Christian communities within Turkey’s present-day borders, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). 

In response to a question by Senator Menendez as to whether the U.S. has ever denied the Armenian Genocide, Amb. Ricciardone paused, and, rather than answering directly, referred to the “Medz Yeghern” [Great Crime], which he mispronounced,” stating, “I stand behind President Obama’s characterization of the ‘Yedz Meghern’ [sic], as the Armenians themselves call it - the tragic, murder of a million and a half men, women, and children marched to their deaths in 1915.  But I stand behind our characterization of that and our efforts of what we are trying to do now.” 

Sen. Menendez followed up by asking if the Ambassador agreed with President Obama’s previous statements as Senator Obama, in which he had properly characterized the Armenian Genocide as “genocide.”  “I would not disagree with President Obama on his characterization of this, of course not,” stated Ambassador. 

Ricciardone, answering similarly and cautiously to questions related to past statements by Vice-President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton during their years in the Senate. 

He was also asked questions referring to religious freedom, regarding Armenians, Jews, Assyrians and other ethnic minorities. 

Ambassador Ricciardone is currently representing the United Statesin Ankara under a “recess” appointment made by the President after his nomination was blocked last year by then-Senator Sam Brownback.  Today’s appearance was his second before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  Unless approved by the panel and the full Senate, his recess appointment will expire at the end of 2011, ANCA reported.