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Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.aaainc.org
PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA PRAISES REQUEST TO ENSURE TARGETED
ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA AND THE REGION
Request Funding due to Russian-Georgian Conflict
Washington, DC - As the House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved a
$1 billion aid package to Georgia earlier this week, the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
and Caucus Member, Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA), along with 20
additional Members of Congress, sent a letter today to President
George W. Bush outlining targeted assistance in Georgia and Armenia,
reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
The letter read in part that: "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." This Armenian-populated region of Georgia was
already severely depressed economically and is at risk of being
overlooked again as Georgia recovers from the conflict with
Russia. The letter also highlighted the constructive role of the
Armenian government and noted "Yerevan's extensive assistance during
this crisis" as well as "the large-scale economic harm it has endured
as a result of the fighting in the region" and called for assistance
to Armenia "to help offset the ongoing damage to Armenia's economy."
"We appreciate the efforts of Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone
and his colleagues for raising these important issues," said Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. "As the aftermath of this conflict continues
to unfold, we must also seek to minimize the effect upon
Armenia. Rather then continue its blockade strategy against Armenia in
an attempt to isolate her, Turkey should heed U.S. and European Union
calls to lift its illegal blockade," continued Ardouny.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2008-066
Editor's Note: Letter Pasted Below.
September 19, 2008
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
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 play 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 a 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,
U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), George Radanovich (R-CA),
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA),
Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI),
Donald Payne (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Collin
Peterson (D-MN), James Langevin (D-RI), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Grace
Napolitano (D-CA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Stephen
Lynch (D-MA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Michael Honda
(D-CA) and Steve Rothman (D-NJ).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.aaainc.org
PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA PRAISES REQUEST TO ENSURE TARGETED
ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA AND THE REGION
Request Funding due to Russian-Georgian Conflict
Washington, DC - As the House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved a
$1 billion aid package to Georgia earlier this week, the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
and Caucus Member, Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA), along with 20
additional Members of Congress, sent a letter today to President
George W. Bush outlining targeted assistance in Georgia and Armenia,
reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
The letter read in part that: "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." This Armenian-populated region of Georgia was
already severely depressed economically and is at risk of being
overlooked again as Georgia recovers from the conflict with
Russia. The letter also highlighted the constructive role of the
Armenian government and noted "Yerevan's extensive assistance during
this crisis" as well as "the large-scale economic harm it has endured
as a result of the fighting in the region" and called for assistance
to Armenia "to help offset the ongoing damage to Armenia's economy."
"We appreciate the efforts of Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone
and his colleagues for raising these important issues," said Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. "As the aftermath of this conflict continues
to unfold, we must also seek to minimize the effect upon
Armenia. Rather then continue its blockade strategy against Armenia in
an attempt to isolate her, Turkey should heed U.S. and European Union
calls to lift its illegal blockade," continued Ardouny.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2008-066
Editor's Note: Letter Pasted Below.
September 19, 2008
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
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 play 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 a 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,
U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), George Radanovich (R-CA),
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA),
Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI),
Donald Payne (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Collin
Peterson (D-MN), James Langevin (D-RI), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Grace
Napolitano (D-CA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Stephen
Lynch (D-MA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Michael Honda
(D-CA) and Steve Rothman (D-NJ).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress