REP. SCHIFF INTRODUCES BILL CALLING FOR THE END OF TURKEY’S BLOCKADE OF ARMENIA
armradio.am
16.05.2008 10:27
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation today calling on
the President and Secretary of State to urge Turkey to lift its
15 year blockade of Armenia and outline concrete steps taken by
the Administration in that effort, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA.)
Titled the "End the Turkish Blockade of Armenia Act," the legislation
notes that "Turkey’s ongoing blockade of Armenia does not promote
regional security and prosperity, thereby undermining the short-term
and long-term policy objectives of the United States." It goes on to
cite that the "Department of State has estimated that the blockade is
inflating Armenia’s transportation costs by between 30 and 35 percent,
thereby stifling its trade and economy." The resolution, in addition to
calling for the immediate lifting of Turkey’s blockade, would mandate
that the Secretary of State "submit to Congress a report that outlines
the steps taken and plans made by the United States to end Turkey’s
blockade of Armenia," within thirty days of the bill’s passage.
"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,"
explained Rep. Schiff.
"Turkey’s illegal blockade of Armenia represents a violation of
international law, a clear hindrance to U.S. regional interests, and
an immoral action intended to economically isolate and impoverish the
Armenian people," stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We
welcome Rep. Schiff’s leadership in demanding Congressional oversight
of any concrete steps the Administration has taken to pressure Turkey
to lift its blockade."
The Schiff resolution is similar to legislation introduced in the
109th Congress (H.R.3103), which secured 14 cosponsors. In the
110th Congress, Rep. Schiff is lead author, along with Reps. George
Radanovich (R-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
of the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, which was adopted by
the House Foreign Affairs Committee last October and currently has
over 200 cosponsors.