Dear Ambassador Richard Norland,

It is with great regret that we write this letter. In October a group of 17 of American Citizens visited Georgia. We crossed into Georgia from Armenia, visiting sites in Javakh. We were saddened at the conditions the Armenian community continues to live under in Georgia. There is definitely discrimination. We then visited Tibilisi as tourists. While touring we were disturbed to hear that from the 37 historic Armenian churches only one is still remaining and that one, Nora Shen, is being destroyed and all Armenian artifacts removed. To say the least the group, and many other American groups visiting Georgia, are dismayed, concerned and frustrated. How can any country, much less a U.S. dependent, supported by our TAX dollars, be allowed to destroy religious property of another culture while claiming to be of the same faith? How can the U.S. it silently and let history be altered and claim that this country is a civilized U.S. partner.

We strongly urge that you, as our representative, express strongly with grave urgency the need to maintain Nora Shen Armenian church as an Armenian Church. We need an outspoken advocate for justice and we are looking to you for this leadership.

We await your response to our concerns and request. Please understand that we intend to continue our fight to SAVE Nora Shen. We look forward to your advice and sport with this effort.