House of Representatives Voted Against Kars-Tbilisi-Baku Railway Project Financing
PanARMENIAN.Net
26.07.2006 17:19 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The House of Representatives today voted to help
ensure that U.S. regional cooperation and economic integration is
maintained by making certain that no Export-Import funding is used for
a railroad project sponsored by the Turkish and Azeri governments that
seeks to exclude Armenia from economic and regional transportation
opportunities, reported the Armenian Assembly of America.
Lawmakers approved H.R. 5068, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization
Act of 2006, which included an amendment by Congressman Joseph Crowley
(D-NY), along with Congressmen Edward Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman
(D-CA), ensuring that taxpayer dollars will not be spent on efforts
that would isolate Armenia – which is already facing dual blockades
by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
In a statement submitted for the House record, Crowley said "This
language will assist in promoting stability in the Caucasus region,
help in ending long standing conflicts, and save U.S. taxpayers the
responsibility of funding a project that goes against U.S. interests."
"Passage of H.R. 5068 with the Crowley-Royce-Sherman provision,
which was modeled after H.R. 3361 helps ensure that the U.S. will
not be party to the flawed policies of Armenia’s neighbors," said
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
"This time we must ensure that Armenia is not bypassed," Ardouny said.