BILL PROHIBITING FUNDING OF RAILROAD BYPASSING ARMENIA ENACTED

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.12.2006 17:11 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian Assembly of America hailed the
enactment of legislation prohibiting funding for a railroad linking
Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia while bypassing Armenia. As reported
by the AAA, the bill was signed into law this week as part of a
comprehensive measure known as the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization
Act of 2006. The legislation included an amendment by Senators Robert
Menendez (D-NJ) and Rick Santorum (R-PA) ensuring that no Export-Import
funding is used for a rail line which seeks to isolate Armenia from
economic and regional transportation corridors. The provision mirrors
the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, which was
introduced in both Houses with the support of the Armenian Assembly.

Enactment of this provision is part of the Armenian Assembly’s
anti-isolation campaign and resulted in a successful outcome with
final passage in the waning days of the 109th Congress. "This Assembly
initiative to combat Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s attempts to isolate
Armenia is just one of the many ways in which we are working to
ensure a secure and prosperous homeland," said Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny. "We very much appreciate the leadership of House and
Senate Members for bringing this important initiative to fruition." "I
also want to thank those organizations and individuals who joined us
in this community-wide effort," he added.