ARMENIAN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY TO HONOR JOHN EVANS AT ANNUAL GALA BANQUET
asbarez
Monday, November 8th, 2010
LOS ANGELES-Former Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans has
been named 2010 Professional of the Year by the Armenian Professional
Society (APS) for his steadfast adherence to addressing the Armenian
genocide in a forthright manner.
He will be accepting the honor at this year’s annual APS banquet that
will take place on Friday, November 19.
As the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia in 2004-2006, Evans broke with
State Department policy by using the term “Armenian genocide” and was
subsequently released from his duties as ambassador. In Addressing
members of the Armenian community at the time, Evans referred to
the Armenian genocide as “the first genocide of the 20th century,”
pledging to do a better job in addressing the issue.
The Ambassador later told an Armenian newspaper that it was an ethical
issue and that he had no choice but to speak the truth, despite an
established policy of employing euphemisms and circumlocutions. “I
have to say that it is not something that any diplomat does lightly.
It goes against every grain of our being. It goes against every
teaching that we’ve ever had as diplomats, so it was not an easy
decision.”
Commenting on the decision to honor Ambassador Evans as the
Professional of the Year, APS President Stephan Bagboudarian stated
that the ambassador’s bravery was unprecedented. “Ambassador
Evans chose to stand up for the truth, in spite of the possible
consequences. He is a true patriot for upholding historical truth,
human rights and justice.”
Ambassador Evans will be attending the APS Annual Banquet in Los
Angeles to accept the honor, along with his wife Donna Evans, a former
President of the World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
From: A. Papazian