U.S. sources and Armenian-American groups confirmed that Evans had been recalled mainly for his controversial remarks involving the Armenian genocide claim.

"After his remarks last year that caused reaction at the State Department and by Turkey, Evans was given a second chance, but he continued to deviate from the official U.S. policy, working almost as a part of Armenian groups that have a specific agenda," one U.S. analyst familiar with the matter said on Thursday. "As a result he was recalled."

Richard Hoagland, currently the ambassador to Tajikistan, has been nominated to replace Evans.

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