Washington briefing: Armenian-American candidate for Senate opposes Turkey protocols

by Emil Sanamyan

Published: Friday November 20, 2009

Danny Tarkanian (center) with ANC activists.

Washington - Danny Tarkanian, a Las Vegas businessperson seeking the Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate expressed opposition to the U.S.-mediated Armenia-Turkey protocols, the Armenian National Committee - Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC) reported on November 14.

Mr. Tarkanian said there was "unfair pressure being put on Armenia to accept Protocols which call for a ‘historical commission' and put in danger the very status of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh."

His comments came after the incumbent he is challenging, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D.-Nev.), sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conveying his constituents' concerns about the protocols.

Mr. Tarkanian is running a prominent campaign and is considered one of two chief GOP candidates against Mr. Reid. If elected, he will become the first Armenian-American in the U.S. Senate.

"It is time to have a direct ancestor of genocide survivors speak up" in the Senate about Armenian-American concerns, ANC-PAC quoted him as saying.

"Instead of tepidly worded letters to the Secretary of State, I will demand to know why America would pressure the victim, Armenia, while helping the perpetrators, Turkey and Azerbaijan."

Following the GOP victory in Virginia's gubernatorial race, Armenian-American Democrat Charlie Diradour decided to pull out of the race against incumbent Rep. Eric Cantor (R.-Va.), Richmond, Va. media reported October 29.

In addition to Mr. Tarkanian, at least two other Armenian-American candidates, David Krikorian and Natalie Mosher, continue campaigning ahead of the 2010 elections.

Ms. Mosher is the only Democrat running against Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R.-Mich.), while Mr. Krikorian is running in a crowded field of potential challengers of Rep. Jean Schmidt (R.-Ohio).