PRESS RELEASE
Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29)
Sean Oblack, Communications Director
202-226-8348 direct
202-225-3278 cell

May 15, 2008

Schiff Introduces Bill Urging End to Turkish Blockade of Armenia

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a bill
urging the President and Secretary of State to call upon Turkey to
immediately lift its ongoing blockade of Armenia. The "End the Turkish
Blockade of Armenia Act" requires a report from the Secretary of State
within 30 days of final passage that will outline steps taken by the
U.S. to end Turkey’s blockade of Armenia.

"We need to step up pressure on Turkey to lift the draconian blockade of
Armenia, permitting Armenian businesses to fully participate in the
global economy and assisting Armenia’s integration into Europe," said
Schiff.

The State Department has estimated that the blockade is inflating
Armenia’s transportation costs by 30-35%, and the blockade has prevented
U.S. and international humanitarian assistance from crossing its
borders, which is a violation of U.S. law and international humanitarian
standards.

Rep. Schiff is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
and the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security He
serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the House Judiciary
Committee, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He
represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the
communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San
Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena
and Temple City.

-30-