ambassador Armenia John Evans

October 19 the 3rd shift of the Armenian peacekeepers will be met in Armenia and the 4th shift will depart for Kosovo
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OSCE MINSK GROUP U.S. CO-CHAIR ARRIVED IN ARMENIA

Daniel Fried, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, visited Armenia on October 18 as part of regional travel that included stops in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
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During these meetings, Ambassador Fried and Ambassador Mann discussed a number of issues, including U.S.-Armenian relations, democratic reforms in Armenia, U.S.-Armenian defense cooperation, U.S. Government Assistance programs in Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
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U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans hosted special roundtable meetings on the topics of "Constitutional Reform and Armenia's Political Outlook" and "Preparing Civil Society for a Post-conflict reality."Commenting on the visit, Ambassador Evans said, "The Assistant Secretary's visit reinforces the high-level of interest that the U.S. Government has in helping build peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.The visit comes at an opportune moment as Armenia prepares for an historic referendum on its constitution and begins planning now for free and fair elections in 2007 and 2008."

This trip was Ambassador Fried's first visit to Armenia since his appointment as Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs in May 2005.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans has publicly referred to the 1915 slaughter of some 1.5 million Armenians in Ottoman Turkey as `genocide,' signaling a significant shift in the U.S. government's position on the highly sensitive issue.

In separate statements issued late on Thursday, the two leading Armenian-American lobbying groups said Evans recognized the genocide during his ongoing series of meetings with representatives of the influential Armenian community in the United States.
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Evans's use of the word `genocide,' which is bound to anger Turkey, was also announced and welcomed by the chairman of the Armenian Assembly of America, Anthony Barsamian. `In his public commentaries, Ambassador Evans repeatedly employed the words "Armenian Genocide" to properly characterize the attempted annihilation of our people by Ottoman Turkey,' he said in a speech in Los Angeles.

Barsamian was addressing more than 270 community leaders that gathered to pay tribute to countries that attempted to stop or recognized the genocide.

Evans thus became the first U.S. official since former President Ronald Reagan to publicly describe the mass killings and deportations of Ottoman Armenia as a genocide.
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Bush, according to Barsamian, `set forth the textbook definition of genocide without using the word.' `Ambassador Evans completed the thought,' added the Assembly chief.
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Close associates of Prime Minister Andranik Markarian and parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian sought on Friday to downplay a bitter of war of words between the two men which has dealt a fresh blow to the unity of Armenia's ruling coalition.
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Police said on Friday that they are still investigating last month's high-profile car crash in Yerevan that killed two people and highlighted widespread disregard for traffic rules by Armenia's wealthiest citizens.
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There are only 11 such cars registered in Armenia.
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Armenia's notoriously corrupt traffic police rarely stop or fine them.

Yerevan Water Utility Gets Another World Bank Loan

By Atom Markarian

The World Bank announced on Friday the disbursement of a new $20 million loan to Armenia which is designed to finance the second phase of a long-running restructuring of Yerevan's hugely inefficient water network.
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`Aravot' says that looking at the faces of hundreds of pensioners that demonstrated outside the government building in Yerevan this week, it was easy to understand that they were protesting not so much against the controversial social security cards as their `poverty, misery and state of humiliation.' `But there are forces in Armenia that are steering the very natural social protest in a totally different direction which is good for them and the authorities,' explains the paper. `So the pensioners are protesting not against corrupt officials, cocky oligarchs or inept rulers but against the absolutely innocent social cards.' Only `godless and faithless people' could organize such demonstrations, concludes the paper.

In an interview with `Ayb-Fe,' Former Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian says that a new opposition grouping which his Zharangutyun party and two other opposition parties might form soon will not seek to break up the Artarutyun bloc.He says it would only `complete the struggle for Armenia and the dignity and freedom of its citizens,' adding that has been an influx of new members into his party recently.

`Hayots Ashkhar' links the latest opposition pledges of regime change to what it sees as renewed international pressure on Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS: Newly appointed US ambassador in Armenia John Evans met with members of US Commerce Chamber and American business community in Armenia in Armenia Marriott Hotel.
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" Close links between the embassy and the Commerce Chamber is a priority in our strategy to increase investment in Armenia," the ambassador said.

During the meeting, the chamber members spoke about business opportunities in Armenia and difficulties.The chairman of Commerce Chamber Edith Khachatrian mentioned in his speech that US Chamber of Commerce is an organization which opens up opportunities for cooperation with Armenian business community and the participation of ambassador Evans will be very decisive in their aim to create a favorable business environment.

Armenia's Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatryan and MCC Chief Executive Officer John Danilovich signed the MCC compact at the U.S. State Department on March 27. Standing L to R: Chief Economic Advisor to the President of Armenia Vahram Nercissiants, Armenia's Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans and MCC officers.
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Armenia's Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatryan and MCC Chief Executive Officer John Danilovich signed the MCA Compact at the U.S. State Department on March 27. Standing L to R: Chief Economic Advisor to the President of Armenia Vahram Nercissiantz, Armenia's Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans and Members of the MCC Armenia Team Stephen Groff and Alex Russin.
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Ambassador to Armenia John Evans hailed the signing of a five-year $235 million Compact between Armenia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation during the Armenian Assembly's National Banquet on March 27 in Washington, DC.

The Ambassador cautioned however that a country that is found eligible for MCC funding must continue to remain eligible.Evans noted that one of the criteria is meeting the MCC standard for ruling justly.In his prepared remarks, the Ambassador urged Conference participants to join in helping "Armenia achieve democratic elections in 2007 and 2008."

The National Banquet was part of a major three-day pan-Armenian Conference hosted by the Assembly, together with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church.

Below is the full text of Ambassador Evans' prepared speech:

This evening I want to explain what the United States is doing in the Republic of Armenia with regard to the development of genuine democracy and democratic elections.Under the FREEDOM Support Act, the U.S. Government has contributed approximately $1.5 billion in support of democratic and economic transition in Armenia.

Let me begin by reminding you that the United States is pursuing three overarching goals in the South Caucasus.First, we hope to strengthen security and stability in the entire region.This includes, most notably, our efforts to help Armenia and Azerbaijan resolve the Karabakh dispute, but it also includes assistance to the countries in strengthening their border regimes so as to prevent the unauthorized transit of dangerous materials.Second, we are attempting to strengthen the economies of the countries in the area, all of which are suffering from under- or maldevelopment.Third, we are attempting to strengthen the political systems of the three countries by encouraging the growth of genuine democratic cultures and institutions.Now to Armenia specifically.

All the basic preconditions for Armenia to be a leading democracy in the region are present.A mix of cultural, historical, educational and social factors, including extensive ties with the great Western democracies, particularly the United States and France, give Armenia a theoretical advantage; however, some other factors -- the legacy of Soviet misrule, the unsolved Karabakh issue, and too intimate a relationship between economic and political power -- have delayed the appearance of a vibrant democracy in Armenia.The badly flawed constitutional referendum in late November was a stark reminder that important work still has to be done if Armenia is to reach its potential as a democratic state.Ultimately it will take a combination of administrative improvements, increased capacity on the part of elections officials, political parties and civil society, and political will on the part of the Armenian authorities for elections that meet international democratic standards to become a reality.But the lessons of the last few years should be clear: any government that falsifies elections is taking an enormous risk.We do not think Armenia can afford another set of bad elections next time.In addition, the Millennium Challenge Compact that was signed today is contingent on Armenia's remaining qualified for that assistance.This requires that its pattern of actions not be contrary to the independent, objective criteria used to select it for eligibility.One of those criteria is meeting standards for "ruling justly."

Even before the November referendum, those of us working on this issue at the U.S. Mission in Yerevan had decided there was no time to waste.Last summer we devised a program of assistance specifically aimed at helping Armenia achieve democratic elections in 2007 (legislative) and 2008 (presidential).
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The United States is not a newcomer to the challenge of building democratic institutions in Armenia.We have been involved in this process for ten years already.We were actively involved in encouraging reforms during previous elections…but we believe that a major push is necessary at this time.We need to build capacity, and we need also to stiffen the political will of some leading figures.

But this is where you come in.You have made many contributions, often simply by example.We know that many of you continue to contribute to building a democratic culture in Armenia in many different ways.But what I ask of you tonight is that you join with us over the next fifteen months with a major push to help Armenia achieve democratic elections in 2007 and 2008, following up on your efforts in 2003.Many of you interact with Armenians both in and out of the Government.We hope you will stress to them how important it is for Armenia to hold elections that meet international standards.Armenia's government needs to know that the broad international community -- not only the U.S.
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Without hydrocarbons, without great natural resources, and fated to live in a difficult neighborhood, Armenia has to live by its wits, and by its ability to build a just and free society based on the rule of law.The Millennium Challenge Compact that was signed earlier today, as it is implemented over the next five years, will help.And with your help, we believe Armenia's future is bright.
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Ambassador to Armenia John Evans at the Armenian Assembly's National Banquet on March 27.

Want to get invloved?The Armenian Assembly offers many ways for you to get involved, learn about the issues, and help make a difference in the future of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh!

WASHINGTON--Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), the Ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, was joined today by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) in forcing a month-long delay in the Committee's vote on the controversial nomination of Richard Hoagland to replace the current US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.
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"We appreciate, as well, the principled efforts of Senators Allen, Boxer, Chafee, Coleman, Dodd, Feingold, Kennedy, Reed, Sarbanes, and others to seek an honest explanation of the firing of Ambassador Evans, to explore the role of the Turkish government in his recall, and to insist that the Administration clearly articulate its stand on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide."
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Evans and to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal character of Ottoman Turkey's systematic destruction of its Armenian population.The ANCA has mobilized thousands of activists to share their views with their Senators and Representatives about the need for an honest explanation of Ambassador Evans' recall and, more broadly, the exact outlines of the State Department's policy on the Armenian Genocide.

As early as this February, Members of Congress, at the urging of the ANCA, began pressing the State Department for a full, open, and official explanation of the firing of the current US Ambassador to Armenia, over his truthful comment last year on the Armenian Genocide.Despite a series of Congressional letters and questions posed during Congressional testimony by Secretary of State Rice and other senior officials, the Administration failed to provide a meaningful explanation of its decision to recall Ambassador Evans.
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Soon after, the ANCA determined that, according to Department of Justice records, the State Department had misled the US Senate about its communications with the Turkish government concerning the February 2005 public affirmation of the Armenian Genocide by Ambassador Evans.
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However, official Foreign Agent Registration Act filings by the Turkish government's registered foreign agent, the Livingston Group, document that, in the days following Ambassador Evans' February 19, 2005 remarks, one of Turkey's agents communicated on at least four different occasions with State Department officials concerning the envoy's statement and his subsequent retraction.
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For a comprehensive overview of documents regarding the firing of Ambassador Evans and the Hoagland controversy, please visit anca.org
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However, a framework peace accord proposed by a team of American, French and Russian mediators seems to allow for the possibility of Karabakh's independence or reunification with Armenia.
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However, Bryza made it clear in his RFE/RL interview that it is the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan that must have the final say in the peace process.

Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
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"We appreciate, as well, the principled efforts of Senators Allen, Boxer, Chafee, Coleman, Dodd, Feingold, Kennedy, Reed, Sarbanes, and others to seek an honest explanation of the firing of Ambassador Evans, to explore the role of the Turkish government in his recall, and to insist that the Administration clearly articulate its stand on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide."
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Evans and to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal character of Ottoman Turkey's systematic destruction of its Armenian population.The ANCA has mobilized thousands of activists to share their views with their Senators and Representatives about the need for an honest explanation of Ambassador Evans' recall and, more broadly, the exact outlines of the State Department's policy on the Armenian Genocide.

As early as this February, Members of Congress, at the urging of the ANCA, began pressing the State Department for a full, open, and official explanation of the firing of the current U.S.Ambassador to Armenia, over his truthful comment last year on the Armenian Genocide.Despite a series of Congressional letters and questions posed during Congressional testimony by Secretary of State Rice and other senior officials, the Administration failed to provide a meaningful explanation of its decision to recall Ambassador Evans.
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Soon after, the ANCA determined that, according to Department of Justice records, the State Department had misled the U.S. Senate about its communications with the Turkish government concerning the February 2005 public affirmation of the Armenian Genocide by Ambassador Evans.
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However, official Foreign Agent Registration Act filings by the Turkish government's registered foreign agent, the Livingston Group, document that, in the days following Ambassador Evans' February 19, 2005 remarks, one of Turkey's agents communicated on at least four different occasions with State Department officials concerning the envoy's statement and his subsequent retraction.
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For a comprehensive overview of documents regarding the firing of Ambassador Evans and the Hoagland controversy, visit:

U. S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans pledged on 1 September to work "very intensively" to ensure that Armenia's next elections are free and fair, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reported.Evans added in an RFE/RL interview that the country is "headed in the right direction," citing a recently adopted set of constitutional amendments (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 1 September 2005).
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Ambassador Evans rejected any suggestion that Washington is pursuing any policy of "regime change" for Armenia."It is not our policy to suggest that political change should happen in the streets," Evans said, and he warned against any such action due to the "risk that people would be hurt."Evans was clear in his warning against any repeat of past voting irregularities during Armenia's 2007 parliamentary and 2008 presidential elections, saying that "one of the clear lessons of the last few years, particularly in this part of the world, to everyone should be that if elections are falsified, election results are tampered with, there will be trouble of one sort or another," according to RFE/RL.But Evans added, "We will be working very intensively with not only the government but other institutions and elements of Armenian society to help Armenia ensure that those elections are indeed free and fair."RG

[16] AZERBAIJANI POLICE DISPERSE GROUP OF OPPOSITION ACTIVISTS ...

Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
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"We appreciate, as well, the principled efforts of Senators Allen, Boxer, Chafee, Coleman, Dodd, Feingold, Kennedy, Reed, Sarbanes, and others to seek an honest explanation of the firing of Ambassador Evans, to explore the role of the Turkish government in his recall, and to insist that the administration clearly articulate its stand on the recognition of the Armenian genocide."
...
Evans and to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal character of Ottoman Turkey's systematic destruction of its Armenian population.The ANCA has mobilized thousands of activists to share their views with their Senators and Representatives about the need for an honest explanation of Ambassador Evans' recall and, more broadly, the exact outlines of the State Department's policy on the Armenian genocide.

As early as this February, Members of Congress, at the urging of the ANCA, began pressing the State Department for a full, open, and official explanation of the firing of the current U.S.Ambassador to Armenia, over his truthful comment last year on the Genocide.Despite a series of Congressional letters and questions posed during Congressional testimony by Secretary of State Rice and other senior officials, the administration failed to provide a meaningful explanation of its decision to recall Ambassador Evans.
...
Soon after, the ANCA determined that, according to Department of Justice records, the State Department had misled the U.S. Senate about its communications with the Turkish government concerning the February 2005 public affirmation of the Genocide by Ambassador Evans.
...
However, official Foreign Agent Registration Act filings by the Turkish government's registered foreign agent, the Livingston Group, document that, in the days following Ambassador Evans' February 19, 2005 remarks, one of Turkey's agents communicated on at least four different occasions with State Department officials concerning the envoy's statement and his subsequent retraction.
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For a comprehensive overview of documents regarding the firing of Ambassador Evans and the Hoagland controversy, visit:http://www.anca.org/hoagland controversy.php.