Harry Gilmore’s candidacy as the ambassador of Armenia was put forward two times both by Bush and Clinton. As Bush lost 1992 November elections, the nomination of Harry Gilmore by Bush was not approved by Senate and the appropriate portfolio was left in the White House. That was the reason why the US ambassador to Armenia was appointed that late.
Through that period ambassador candidate Gilmore starts to study Armenian language, history and thoroughly becomes aware of the situation. According to Gilmore he had a few important priorities. First, to provide the blocked Armenia with humanitarian assistance, second, to encourage Armenian authorities- the activation of negotiations concerning Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and third, long-term establishment and deepening of US-Armenian relations in all directions.
Finally, on May 27, a day after his arrival to Armenia, the first US ambassador Harry Gilmore submitted copies of his credentials to the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhirayr Liparitian.
On May 21, 1993 the first US ambassador to Armenia Harry Gilmore submitted his credentials to the President of Armenia and proceeded to his duties. During the ceremony, Gilmore told Levon Ter-Petrosyan, “Mr. President, I am honored that President Clinton appointed me as the first US ambassador to Armenia. The US Government and the US population are very happy to be a witness of the birth of free and sovereign Armenia.”
