M2 Presswire
July 19, 2004
US STATE DEPARTMENT: Press Statement; Richard Boucher, Spokesman;
Washington, DC July 16, 2004; U.S. Opposes Schiff Amendment to FY 05
Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill
M2 PRESSWIRE-JULY 19, 2004-US STATE DEPARTMENT: Press Statement;
Richard Boucher, Spokesman; Washington, DC July 16, 2004; U.S.
Opposes Schiff Amendment to FY 05 Foreign Operations Appropriations
Bill ©1994-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
The Administration strongly opposes this amendment which seeks to
restrict U.S. assistance to Turkey.
It should not become law. The amendment is detrimental to the cause
we all seek: reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia in pursuit of
regional peace and economic cooperation. Turkey and Armenia have been
pursuing these goals through direct meetings.
Turkey, our key NATO ally, and Armenia, our close friend, are
partners in the Global War on Terror and in advancing democracy,
prosperity and stability in the Caucasus. Our goal is to bolster
cooperation between these two countries rather than to separate them.
We welcome the statement by House Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader
DeLay and Majority Whip Blunt citing their strong opposition to this
amendment and their commitment to insisting that the amendment be
dropped in conference. We welcome the Leadership’s recognition of the
important relationship with our reliable ally and friend Turkey and
of the need for continued close economic and security relations
between our countries.
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