September 25, 2006

Rep. Frank Pallone Visits Bay Area Armenian Community 

San Francisco, CA, September 24 — New Jersey congressman Frank Pallone met with members of the Bay Area Armenian-American community at a gathering hosted by the Bay Area Armenian National Committee at St. Gregory Armenian Church's Vaspouragan Hall.  After attending church services, Pallone discussed the status of various proposed legislation of particular interest to Armenian-Americans.

Pallone, who is the founder and co-chair of the Armenian Issues Caucus in the House of Representatives, and is currently in his 9th term in Congress,  praised the Armenian Diaspora for its contributions to Armenia and its participation in the U.S. political process, which has enabled the growth of the Armenian Caucus and its pursuit of legislation.  He pledged to fight for more foreign aid to Armenia and Karabagh, and addressed issues including the proposed railroad between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, the oil pipeline between those countries, the removal of the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia and the nomination of a replacement, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and the need for an open border between Turkey and Armenia.

"Turkey's blockade of the border is in violation of international law," said Pallone.  He acknowledged Turkey's desire to join the European Union and its suppression of freedom of expression.  Considering the recent Turkish government prosecutions against those who have discussed the Armenian Genocide, and its desire to join the European Union, Pallone said it is important to continue to seek Genocide recognition.

On the removal of Ambassador Evans because of his statements acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and the hearings surrounding the nomination of his successor, Pallone said the "media blitz" which followed, made the State Department look "more marginal, more ridiculous," for not allowing its ambassadors to Armenia to refer to the Armenian Genocide by name, "It's drawn a lot of attention to the issue in a positive way."

On the Karabagh issue, Pallone said, "In the coming months and years, the Caucus will be making an effort to put the pressure on the U.S. government, saying a peace settlement needs to be reached soon."  Pallone acknowledged that Armenia is a small country and said,  "It doesn't get much attention from the State Department or whatever administration is in power," though he added, "More conflict in the Caucasus is not in the best interests of the United States."

Pallone answered questions about issues including the geopolitical situation in the Caucuses, the role of the US embassy in Armenia, and the role of Islam in politics of the region.