REP. SCHIFF INTRODUCES BILL TO END TURKEY’S BLOCKADE OF ARMENIA
Yerkir
16.05.2008 12:10
Yerevan (Yerkir) – 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.