SCHIFF INTRODUCES BILL CALLING FOR THE END OF TURKEY’S BLOCKADE OF ARMENIA

arminfo
2008-05-16 16:40:00 Rep.

ArmInfo. 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.