Guest Posted January 30, 2001 Report Share Posted January 30, 2001 Action Alert1/30/2001 ASK THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO CLARIFY POSITIONON OFFENSIVE COMMENTS ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE -- U.S. Ambassador Quoted in Major Turkish Newspaper Comparing the Armenian Genocide to a "UFO" Siting ==============================================================Status:============================================================== The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Robert Pearson, was quoted in an article in the major Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet comparing the Armenian Genocide to a fictional event, specifically likeningthe first genocide of the 20th century to a sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object (see full article below). According to the January 25th article, "Armenian Question is Like a UFO," written by Ayten Serin: "The American Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson today said that the Armenian Genocide is like the rumors of flying objects. 'Some say I saw a flying object, and some say I did not see it. In reality, there are no flying objects, and the Armenian Question is similar to this,' said Pearson." ==============================================================Action:============================================================== Contact Amb. Pearson's supervisor at the State Department and ask him whether the offensive quotes attributed to the Ambassador in the January 25th Hurriyet article reflect the views of the State Department. Tel: (202) 647-9626 - European Bureau at State Dept. Fax: (202) 647-0967 Mail: The Hon. James Dobbins Assistant Secretary Bureau for European Affairs U.S. Department of State 2201 C St NW #6226 Washington, DC 20520 * Forward a copy of all your correspondenceto the U.S. Embassy in Ankara via email: ferdi@usia.gov The Embassy in Ankara can also be contacted directly: Tel: 011 (90-312) 468-6110Fax: 011 (90-312) 468-6145 Mail: The Hon. Robert Pearson U.S. EMBASSY ANKARA, TURKEY Ataturk Bulvari 110 Kavaklidere 06540 ANKARA, TURKEY --------------------------------------------------------------Sample Phone Script for Calling the State Department-------------------------------------------------------------- (The phone will likely be answered by a receptionist. Ask to speak to James Dobbins, the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs. If he is not available, ask to the speak to leave a written message for him. This matter concerns Asst. Sec. Dobbins' oversight responsibility and, as such, your call should not be transferred to the Turkey desk.) Hello, my name is ________________ and I am calling to ask for a clarification regarding recent highly offensive comments attributed to Amb. Pearson regarding the Armenian Genocide. In particular, I refer to a January 25th article in the Hurriyet newspaper which quoted the Ambassador as comparing the Armenian Genocide - the systematic destruction of over one and a half million Armenians - to a UFO sighting. I respectfully ask that the State Department contact me in writing as to whether these offensive comments were actually made by the Ambassador. If so, what disciplinary steps will be taken against him. If they were not made by him, what steps will the State Department take to distance itself from such offensive and hateful remarks. Thank you for reviewing this matter and contacting me in writing with the findings of your investigation. I can be reached by telephone at ______________. My mailing address is ______________. Thank you. --------------------------------------------------------------Sample Letter to Assistant Secretary of State Dobbins-------------------------------------------------------------- The Hon. James DobbinsAssistant SecretaryBureau for European AffairsU.S. Department of State2201 C St NW #6226Washington, DC 20520 Dear Assistant Secretary Dobbins: I am writing to ask for a clarification regarding recent highly offensive comments attributed to Amb. Pearson regarding the Armenian Genocide. In particular, I refer to a January 25th article in the Hurriyet newspaper which quoted the Ambassador as comparing the Armenian Genocide - the systematic destruction of over one and a half million Armenians - to a UFO sighting. As a taxpayer, I respectfully ask that the State Department contact me in writing on the following points: 1) Did the Hurriyet article accurately characterize the Ambassador's comments on the Armenian Genocide? 2) If the quotes attributed to him by Hurriyet are incorrect, what steps will the State Department take to distance itself from such clearly objectionable remarks? 2) If the Ambassador's comments were accurately presented, what actions will the State Department take to discipline the Ambassador and ensure that such offensive remarks are not repeated by any official representing the U.S. government abroad? Thank you for taking the time to review this matter and for contacting me in writing with the findings of your investigation. I can be reached by telephone at ______________. My mailing address is ______________. Sincerely, ___________________ ==============================================================Text of Article in Hurriyet (1/25/01):============================================================== Armenian Question is Like a UFO By Ayten Serin Hurriyet (Turkey)Jan 25, 2001 The American Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson today said that the Armenian Genocide is like the rumors of flying objects. "Some say I saw a flying object, and some say I did not see it. In reality, there are no flying objects, and the Armenian Question is similar to this," said Pearson. Pearson compared the Armenian cause to that of the UFO rumors that the American people spread. He said that the Genocide resolution that the French House of Representatives voted on will not have any effects. During a ceremony for the constructing of a new building for the American Embassy in Istanbul, a reporter asked the Ambassador, "Will the Armenian Genocide be back on the US government's agenda again?" To which Pearson answered, "This question is similar to the UFO question." Pearson continued, "Sometimes, a person would say, I saw a flying object (UFO)' and another would say, there is no UFO.' There is an enormous debate over UFOs, yet there is no such thing as UFOs. I do not know the answer to that question. However, we know where the US government stands: we believe that these resolutions will not be helpful. We believe that Turkey's wish to develop good relationships with Armenia is strong and sincere. We also know that Turkish historians will investigate and handle this subject. We strongly support these efforts on Turkey's side and we will not change our position in this matter." Another journalist asked Pearson, "Turkey is being accused of committing crimes against the Armenian people, and Turkey wants to become a member of the EU. How does the US see this situation?" Pearson answered, "Washington supports Turkey's EU membership, and nothing will affect our position. We believe that Turkey will have a very important role in Europe, and good Turkey-EU relation is good to the US. We believe in this because we believe in the Turkish people's abilities, power and aims." Pearson also said that the new US Consulate building will further certify to our belief in Turkey. "Today's ceremony is a physical proof of our support. We are in a dynamic city (Istanbul); we are in the most beautiful city in the world. This city is the proof of the future for Europe and the other regions." During the ceremony for the opening of the new Consulate building, Pearson said, "Turkey cannot be seen as only an important bridge." Pearson saw Turkey important not only for its Hazar Oil but also for the Middle East Peace process. He confirmed that Turkey will set a very good example in its economic and political reforms for Central Asia and the Caucasus. ==============================================================BACKGROUND ON AMB. PEARSON============================================================== Amb. Pearson came to the attention of Armenian Americans in October of last year, when he flew to Washington from Ankara, where he had newly begun his duties as U.S. ambassador to Turkey, to testify before the U.S. Congress against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Ambassador W. Robert Pearson, of Tennessee, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, has a broad background in European and Security issues as well as wide management experience overseas and in Washington. The Senate confirmed Ambassador Pearson as Ambassador to Turkey on July 9, 2000. He officially assumed his position in Ankara on September 21, 2000. Ambassador Pearson was Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to France from July 1997 to July 2000. He followed closely the evolution of European Union policy regarding the candidacy of Turkey for membership, and defense and security issues within the Atlantic Alliance and the EU. He actively promoted business ties between France and the U.S. and helped in the opening of five new offices in France s regions. He served twice at NATO, from 1993 to 1997 as Deputy Permanent Representative to the U.S. Mission during the Balkan crisis and NATO s enlargement, and from 1987 to 1990 on the international staff as Chair of NATO s Political Committee. From 1991 to 1993, he was the Executive Secretary of the Department of State. He served as Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (1985-1987). He served in Beijing, China as a political officer (1981 to 1983), was staff assistant in the East Asia and Pacific Affairs bureau, and began his Foreign Service career with a two-year assignment in Auckland, New Zealand (1976-1978). Ambassador Pearson served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1969 to 1973, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School in 1968. He is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. He speaks French and Chinese. His wife, Margaret, is a career diplomat. The Pearsons have one son, Matthew, who is a student in the United States. For additional information on Amb. Pearson or the U.S. diplomatic presence in Ankara, visit: http://www.usis-ankara.org.tr/ To take part in other ANCA Action Alerts, bookmark: http://www.anca.org ********************************************************* The above message was distributed to the "ANCA News" list. If you received this message in error or would like to be removed from the list, send an e-mail with "Please Remove" in the subject heading to anca@anca.org. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please forward this message only to friends and family, who you know would be interested in this issue. Please note that sending unsolicited e-mail is considered "spam" and is illegal. [This message has been edited by MJ (edited January 29, 2001).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2001 Report Share Posted January 30, 2001 MJ, I think there was a popular song -"Who the f*** is Pearson". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2001 Report Share Posted January 30, 2001 I have just sent a fax to James Dobbins Assistant Secretary Bureau for European Affairs. Participation is very important and all Armenians should. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2001 Report Share Posted January 30, 2001 Mj Thanks - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 31, 2001 Report Share Posted January 31, 2001 This message was distributed to the "ANCA News" list. If you received this message in error or would like to be removed from the list, send an e-mail with "Please Remove" in the subject heading to anca@anca.org. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please forward this message only to friends and family, who you know would be interested in this issue. Please note that sending unsolicited e-mail is considered "spam" and is illegal.*********************************************************** Armenian National Committee of America888 17th Street, NW, Suite 904Washington, DC, 20006Tel. (202) 775-1918Fax (202) 775-5648E-mail: anca@anca.orgInternet: http://www.anca.org PRESS RELEASE For Immediate ReleaseContact: Elizabeth S. ChouldjianJanuary 30, 2001Tel: (202) 775-1918 U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY CLARIFIESOFFENSIVE REMARKS ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE -- Issues Official Statement Addressing Turkish Newspaper's "Misrepresentation" of Comments Comparing the Armenian Genocide to an Unidentified Flying Object WASHINGTON, DC - Responding to a groundswell of protest from Armenian Americans, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson today distanced himself from offensive comments regarding the Armenian Genocide which had been attributed to him by a major Turkish newspaper, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). In a January 25th article in one of Turkey's largest daily newspapers, Hurriyet, the Ambassador was quoted as comparing the Armenian Genocide to a fictional event, specifically likening the first Genocide of the 20th century to a sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object. The article (Armenian Question is Like a UFO) written by Ayten Serin, had quoted the Ambassador as saying that, "the Armenian Genocide is like the rumors of flying objects. 'Some say I saw a flying object, and some say I did not see it. In reality, there are no flying objects, and the Armenian Question is similar to this.'" Amb. Pearson came to the attention of Armenian Americans in October of last year, when he flew to Washington from Ankara, where he had newly begun his duties as U.S. ambassador, to testify before the U.S. Congress against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In response to concerns raised by Armenian Americans and others opposed to Armenian Genocide denial, Amb. Pearson issued the following statement: --------------------------------------------------------------- Statement by W. Robert Pearson U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Clarification of Remarks to Turkish Press Reported on January 25th: I want to address the misinterpretation of comments that were reported in the Turkish press on January 25th during an official event in Istanbul. I was asked to comment on whether there would be efforts in Congress to introduce legislation ecognizing the tragic events that befell the Armenian people during World War I. I indicated that it would not be productive to speculate about any such possible legislation, underscoring that it was more importantto support efforts by Turkey and Armenia to work together to improve their relations. --------------------------------------------------------------- "Sadly, the State Department's shameful complicity in Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide has fostered an environment in which a senior U.S. diplomat can be misquoted as making patently hateful comments in a major newspaper and apparently not feel the need to issue a clarification or correction until inundated with calls, faxes, and emails from concerned American citizens," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We are hopeful that the Ambassador will now take immediate and concrete steps to set the record straight by publicly demanding that Hurriyet print both a correction and his full statement. It is vitally important that all those who may have read the misrepresentation of his comments - in Hurriyet or elsewhere - know that these highly offensive remarks do not represent the policy of the United States Government." In the days following the Hurriyet article, the ANCA organized a grassroots campaign calling for a clarification from the State Department. In the wake of the Ambassador's statement, today, Armenian Americans are encouraged to continue inquiring as to whether Amb. Pearson has taken additional steps to publicly distance himself and the American government from the comments he has indicated were falsely attributed to him, including having Hurriyet print a full correction. For additional information, please visit: http://www.anca.org. ##### ********************************************************* The above message was distributed to the "ANCA News" list. If you received this message in error or would like to be removed from the list, send an e-mail with "Please Remove" in the subject heading to anca@anca.org. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please forward this message only to friends and family, who you know would be interested in this issue. Please note that sending unsolicited e-mail is considered "spam" and is illegal. If you know of other activists who would be interested in receiving press releases and news items on issues of concern to the Armenian American community, please e-mail their name, address and e-mail to anca@anca.org with the note "Please add" in the subject heading. We will be happy to add them to our list.********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 3, 2001 Report Share Posted February 3, 2001 This message was distributed to the "ANCA News" list. If you received this message in error or would like to be removed from the list, send an e-mail with "Please Remove" in the subject heading to anca@anca.org. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please forward this message only to friends and family, who you know would be interested in this issue. Please note that sending unsolicited e-mail is considered "spam" and is illegal. *********************************************************** ACTION NEEDED: AMB. PEARSON CONTROVERSY CONTINUES2/3/01 What is the current situation? Despite repeated protests, the State Department has yet to ensure that the "Hurriyet" newspaper publishes a full retraction of a Jan. 25th article attributing derogatory comments about the Armenian Genocide to U.S. Ambassador Robert Pearson. (Visit the ANCA website for the text of the Ambassador's statement on this issue.) Why is this important? The State Department's failure to take this step has allowed these hateful, anti-Armenian remarks to remain on the public record, leaving the clear impression with the Hurriyet readership and the Turkish public that they represent the official policy of the U.S. government. What can you do? To stand up against the State Department's refusal to set the public record straight or to take advantage of the other user-friendly action alerts on the ANCA website visit: http://www.anca.org * Share this alert with your friends and family. ============================================================== C U R R E N T A N C A A C T I O N A L E R T S============================================================== 1) UPDATED ACTION ALERT ON AMB. PEARSON -- Derogatory Anti-Armenian Remarks have Remained on the Public Record in Turkey for Over a Week ============================================================== 2) NEW YORK TIMES: CORRECT THE "CORRECTION" -- Protest to the New York Times for Consistently Misrepresenting the Armenian Genocide ============================================================== 2) SEND A LETTER TO YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF ARMENIA AND NAGORNO KARABAGH -- Visit our Website to Send an ANCA WebFax Today ============================================================== 2) FIGHT TURKISH GOVERNMENT MANIPULATION OF AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE -- Call for Congressional Hearings on Foreign Interference in American Academia ============================================================== 4) STOP $4.5 BILLION ATTACK COPTER DEAL WITH TURKEY (Joint Greek-American/Armenian American Action Alert) -- Urge President-elect Bush's National Security Advisor Designate to Block Attack Aircraft Deal with Turkish Military ============================================================== 7) HELP "STAMP" OUT GENOCIDE DENIAL -- Ask the U.S. Postal Service to Issue a Stamp Commemorating the American Response to the Armenian Genocide ============================================================== For more information on the ANCA chapter in your area: 1) Visit http://www.anca.org/anca/chaptercontacts.asp 2) Email ancer@compuserve.com -- Eastern United States ancawr@anca.org -- Western United States ********************************************************* The above message was distributed to the "ANCA News" list. If you received this message in error or would like to be removed from the list, send an e-mail with "Please Remove" in the subject heading to anca@anca.org. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please forward this message only to friends and family, who you know would be interested in this issue. Please note that sending unsolicited e-mail is considered "spam" and is illegal. If you know of other activists who would be interested in receiving press releases and news items on issues of concern to the Armenian American community, please e-mail their name, address and e-mail to anca@anca.org with the note "Please add" in the subject heading. We will be happy to add them to our list.********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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