Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
June 12, 2007
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: kpanosyan@aaainc.org
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE UPHOLDS SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
Maintains Military Parity
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly today commended the full House
Appropriations Committee for upholding its subcommittee’s decision to
maintain military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Foreign Operations Bill. The legislation, which
allocates $3.5 million in military assistance to both countries, sends a
clear message to the Administration, which called for asymmetrical
assistance with a proposed $2 million increase over Armenia.
Specifically, the Committee approved $3 million in Foreign Military
Financing (FMF) and $500,000 in International Military Education and
Training (IMET) in funding for each country. In addition, the Committee
approved $68 million in economic assistance to Armenia, a nearly $35
million jump from the Administration’s request, but less than the nearly
$75 million Congress appropriated in FY 2007. Lawmakers also slated up
to $6 million in humanitarian aid for Nagorno Karabakh and renewed its
strong support for confidence-building measures among the parties to the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Specifically, the report language states:
"The Committee continues its strong support for confidence-building
measures among the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The
Committee expects the Department of State to use its authority under
section 498B of the Foreign Assistance Act as necessary to carry out
such programs. The Committee continues to be concerned about the plight
of the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and recommends that up
to $6,000,000 should be made available to address ongoing humanitarian
needs in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Committee has included renewed authority
for the President to provide humanitarian assistance to the region,
notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support
Act. The bill language is unchanged from previous years."
"This bill provides important funding for Armenia and Karabakh and
maintains parity in military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan," said
Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), co-chairs of
the Armenian Caucus. "We are also pleased that economic aid to Armenia
exceeds the Administration’s request and will continue working with our
colleagues to ensure that it meets last year’s funding level of nearly
$75 million."
The bill also provides $1.8 billion for the Millennium Challenge Account
program (MCA). Armenia, based on its record of performance in key
indicators, is a recipient of MCA with a five-year $235.65 million
compact to reduce rural poverty and increase agricultural productivity.
During the mark-up, Congressman Knollenberg offered an amendment to
increase funding for this program, citing its importance and noting the
success of Armenia, including its recently held parliamentary elections.
Knollenberg stated in reference to Armenia’s performance that it was
"extremely favorable and gives Armenia a plus up for the future."
"We thank the Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and
his colleagues for supporting provisions passed last week by the State,
Foreign Operations Subcommittee led by Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY)
and Ranking Member Frank R. Wolf (R-VA)," said Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, who attended today’s markup on Capitol Hill. "We
will continue to work with the House and Senate Appropriations Committee
members to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Karabakh relationships
and to ensure the best possible outcome for these two young
democracies."
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.
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NR#2007-070