REP. BRAD SHERMAN CALLS FOR PROPOSED GEORGIA AID PACKAGE TO INCLUDE ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA
armradio.am
12.09.2008 09:54
Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) has called for the Administration’s
proposed post-conflict aid package to Georgia to include assistance
to Armenia, a nation he described as an "innocent victim" in the war
between Georgia and Russia, reported the Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA).
"We appreciate Congressman Sherman’s principled and persistent
efforts to ensure that the post Georgia-Russia conflict aid package
addresses the substantial economic harm inflicted upon Armenia –
estimated at up to $1 billion – in the form of drastically increased
transportation costs, higher food and fuel prices, and a slow-down in
overall investments," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the
ANCA. "We are, in equal measure, disappointed by Dan Fried’s callous
and shortsighted rejection, on behalf of the Bush Administration,
of this badly-needed assistance package."
Speaking during a September 9th hearing of House Foreign Affairs
Committee, the California legislator stressed that, "in addition
to the combatants, Armenia has suffered tremendously as a result
of this war, and Armenia is totally blameless." He then asked the
Administration witness, Assistant Secretary of State Dan Fried:
"does the Administration plan on providing economic aid to Armenia
as part of this package and if so, how much?"
Fried responded by ag reeing that, "Armenia has suffered as a result
of this [war]," but then rejected providing any help to offset this
damage. He explained that, "Our assistance package – our additional
assistance package does not include Armenia, but, of course, Armenia
is a significant recipient of American assistance. I think it is
the second largest or perhaps the largest per capita recipient of
American assistance in the world, and we intend to continue strong
assistance to Armenia."
From: Baghdasarian