USA PRESIDENT SIGNED BILL BLOCKING FUNDS FOR RAILROAD BYPASS

Yerevan, December 26. ArmInfo. USA President George Bush yesterday
signed a bill prohibiting funding for a railroad linking Turkey,
Azerbaijan and Georgia while bypassing Armenia. 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. In a statement to
the Assembly, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues welcomed the adoption of the Export-Import bill. "We are
pleased that this important amendment was included in the final overall
legislation," said Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI). "U.S. policy in the South Caucasus seeks to foster regional
cooperation and normalization of relations, not isolation. We urge
Turkey to review its policy of alienating Armenia, end its 13 year
blockade and take steps to cooperate with its neighbors." 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.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.