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Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
SENATE RESTORES U.S. SECURITY BALANCE IN SOUTH CAUCASUS
Assembly Credits Senate Majority Whip McConnell
Washington, DC - After a lengthy budget battle, the full Senate
Appropriations Committee yesterday voted to reinstate military
aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Fiscal Year (FY)
2005 Foreign Operations bill. The legislation, which allocates $8.75
million in military financing to both countries, not only foils the
Administration's attempt to favor Azerbaijan but also exceeds the
House request of $5.75 million for each country.
Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who is Chairman of the
Foreign Operations Subcommittee, told the Assembly, "Support for
Armenia remains strong in the Senate and we continue to follow
developments in Nagorno Karabakh closely. I am pleased that
humanitarian and relief assistance will keep flowing to Nagorno
Karabakh."
With this funding, both Baku and Yerevan are slated to receive
$8 million for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and $750,000 for
International Military Education and Training (IMET). The training
funds allow the U.S. to work with and train the host country's military
personnel, particularly on security related issues.
"The Assembly welcomes today's vote and commends Senator McConnell for
maintaining balance in the region," said Assembly Board of Directors
Chairman Anthony Barsamian. He added that the Administration's proposed
allocation, $8 million for Azerbaijan and only $2 million for Armenia,
could have undermined the fragile cease-fire between the neighboring
countries, which is particularly worrisome given Baku's recent threats
against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
"We were concerned by the fact that such a disparity would weaken U.S.
credibility as an impartial and leading mediator in the ongoing
Nagorno Karabakh peace process," added Board of Trustees Chairman
Hirair Hovnanian. "However, we were encouraged this summer by the
House action to restore parity and are equally pleased by the Senate's
decision to follow suit and also increase Armenia's economic funding."
Under McConnell's leadership, the Senate Appropriations Committee has
consistently allocated the highest level of assistance to Armenia.
Lawmakers yesterday approved "not less than" $75 million in economic
aid to Armenia, a nearly $15 million jump from the Administration's
request and $10 million more than the House approved.
In April, during the Assembly's National Conference in Washington,
McConnell told Armenian-Americans: "I've tried to make sure Armenia
has vital U.S. assistance from the United States. The request in the
present budget this year is $62 million and I'll be trying to increase
that amount."
The next step in the legislative process is a vote on the Foreign
Operations bill by the full Senate.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
NR#2004-083
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
SENATE RESTORES U.S. SECURITY BALANCE IN SOUTH CAUCASUS
Assembly Credits Senate Majority Whip McConnell
Washington, DC - After a lengthy budget battle, the full Senate
Appropriations Committee yesterday voted to reinstate military
aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Fiscal Year (FY)
2005 Foreign Operations bill. The legislation, which allocates $8.75
million in military financing to both countries, not only foils the
Administration's attempt to favor Azerbaijan but also exceeds the
House request of $5.75 million for each country.
Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who is Chairman of the
Foreign Operations Subcommittee, told the Assembly, "Support for
Armenia remains strong in the Senate and we continue to follow
developments in Nagorno Karabakh closely. I am pleased that
humanitarian and relief assistance will keep flowing to Nagorno
Karabakh."
With this funding, both Baku and Yerevan are slated to receive
$8 million for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and $750,000 for
International Military Education and Training (IMET). The training
funds allow the U.S. to work with and train the host country's military
personnel, particularly on security related issues.
"The Assembly welcomes today's vote and commends Senator McConnell for
maintaining balance in the region," said Assembly Board of Directors
Chairman Anthony Barsamian. He added that the Administration's proposed
allocation, $8 million for Azerbaijan and only $2 million for Armenia,
could have undermined the fragile cease-fire between the neighboring
countries, which is particularly worrisome given Baku's recent threats
against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
"We were concerned by the fact that such a disparity would weaken U.S.
credibility as an impartial and leading mediator in the ongoing
Nagorno Karabakh peace process," added Board of Trustees Chairman
Hirair Hovnanian. "However, we were encouraged this summer by the
House action to restore parity and are equally pleased by the Senate's
decision to follow suit and also increase Armenia's economic funding."
Under McConnell's leadership, the Senate Appropriations Committee has
consistently allocated the highest level of assistance to Armenia.
Lawmakers yesterday approved "not less than" $75 million in economic
aid to Armenia, a nearly $15 million jump from the Administration's
request and $10 million more than the House approved.
In April, during the Assembly's National Conference in Washington,
McConnell told Armenian-Americans: "I've tried to make sure Armenia
has vital U.S. assistance from the United States. The request in the
present budget this year is $62 million and I'll be trying to increase
that amount."
The next step in the legislative process is a vote on the Foreign
Operations bill by the full Senate.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
NR#2004-083