ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
Email: anca@anca.org
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Email: elizabeth@anca.org
BIPARTISAN GROUP OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVES CALL
FOR POST-CONFLICT AID TO JAVAKHK AND ARMENIA
WASHINGTON, DC – Twenty Members of the U.S. House of
Representatives today joined with Representatives Frank Pallone (D-
NJ) and George Radanovich (R-CA) in formally calling upon President
Bush to dedicate portions of the proposed $1 billion post Georgia-
Russia conflict aid package to meeting economic development needs
in Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia and to helping to offset
the economic impact of the recent crisis on Armenia, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The signatories of the letter included two key members of the House
panel that writes the foreign aid bill, Adam Schiff (D-CA) and
Steve Rothman (D-NJ); the Chairman of the House Republican Policy
Committee, Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI); as well as the chamber’s two
members of Armenian heritage, Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA). Also signing the letter were the Chairman of the Financial
Services Committee, Barney Frank (D-MA), the Co-Chairman of the
Human Rights Caucus, Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Jim Costa (D-CA),
Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Mike Honda (D-CA),
Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), James Langevin (D-RI), Stephen Lynch (D-
MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-
NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Donald Payne (D-NJ), and Colin
Peterson (D-MN).
In a September 12th Dear Colleague letter, Reps. Radanovich and Pallone
explained to their fellow Representatives that Armenia, which
continues to be materially harmed by the fighting to its north, has
remained "a constructive partner to Georgia through ensuring safe
transit for humanitarian needs, reconstruction assistance, and
diplomatic measures." They also stressed the urgency of providing
funds specifically for Samtskhe-Javakheti, a chronically
underdeveloped region in Georgia, heavily populated by Armenians.
"Armenians Americans – from Fresno, New Jersey and around the
nation – thank Representatives Pallone and Radanovich and all those
who added their names to this worthwhile effort to address the
pressing post-conflict humanitarian and developmental needs in
Georgia and in Armenia," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "We look forward to working with these legislators and
our other friends on Capitol Hill to reach out to these populations
during their time of need."
The Congressional letter suggests that the Administration implement
two specific policy recommendations:
1) Ensuring that a meaningful level of the new Georgia aid program
is specifically targeted to the vital Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
This largely Armenian-inhabited area, home to roughly five percent
of Georgia’s overall population, remains, in great measure,
economically undeveloped. Of the $1 billion being proposed for
Georgia, a proportional share on a per capita basis, should be
officially dedicated to developmental programs in Samtskhe-
Javakheti, with a special focus on alleviating poverty, developing
transportation and communication links, promoting international
trade and investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
2) In light of Yerevan’s extensive assistance during this crisis
and also the large-scale harm it has endured as a result of the
fighting in the region, portions of the new Georgia assistance
package should be used to help offset the damage to Armenia’s
economy. This damage, estimated at between $680 and $1 billion, has
largely been the result of higher transportation costs, increased
prices for basic commodities such as food and fuel, and a slow down
in international investments.
The full text of the Congressional letter to President Bush is
provided below.
#####
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush:
We are writing to express our support for the vitally needed
financial assistance package that your Administration has proposed
in the aftermath of the recent crisis in Georgia, and to suggest
two concrete steps that we can take to help advance our national
interest in a strong, independent, pluralist, and democratic
Georgian state.
Our first recommendation is to ensure that a meaningful level of
this aid program is specifically targeted to the vital Samtshke-
Javakheti region. This largely Armenian-inhabited area, home to
roughly five percent of Georgia’s overall population, remains, in
great measure, economically undeveloped. Of the $1 billion proposed
for Georgia, a proportional share on a per capita basis – should be
officially dedicated to developmental programs in Samtshke-
Javakheti, with a special focus on alleviating poverty, developing
transportation and communication links, promoting international
trade and investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Our second recommendation is that, in light of Yerevan’s extensive
assistance during this crisis and also the large-scale economic
harm it has endured as a result of the fighting in the region, this
assistance package also be used to help offset the ongoing damage
to Armenia’s economy. As a country beset by twin blockades, Armenia
conducts the vast majority of its trade through Georgia. Since the
outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Georgia, Armenia has
experienced significantly higher transportation costs, increased
prices for basic commodities such as food and fuel, and a slow down
in international investments. This harm has been estimated by
senior Armenian government officials, including the Prime Minister,
Chairman of the National Security Council, and Ambassador to the
United States, at between $680 million and $1 billion. Targeted
economic aid to Armenia, implemented in coordination with the
Armenian government, can pla! y a particularly constructive role
during this difficult time to assist an important ally in the
region.
As you know, Georgia has long been a partner and friend to
neighboring Armenia, which has, since the outbreak of hostilities,
played a vital role in seeking to restore peace and stability in
the region. The Armenian government provided safe transit for U.S
Embassy and other international diplomatic officials, for hundreds
of non-governmental organization representatives, and for thousands
of Georgian nationals. In addition, the Armenian government
provided human, material, and financial resources to help repair
key elements of Georgia’s damaged infrastructure.
Armenia plays an invaluable role and shares a common vision with
Georgia and the United States for regional stability in the
Caucasus. Despite many difficult challenges, Armenia has taken
steps to strengthen relationships with its neighbors. Earlier this
month, Armenian President Serzh Sargsian demonstrated this through
his historic invitation to Turkish President Abdullah Gul to come
watch their two nations play a qualifying match for the 2010 World
Cup. Given the obvious unrest in the area, it is vital that Armenia
be able to continue its role as an ally and stabilizing force in
the Caucasus.
Thank you for your consideration of our two recommendations. We
look forward to working with you regarding these suggestions and
would welcome the opportunity to meet with your Administration to
discuss them in greater detail.
Sincerely,
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress