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U.S. LEGISLATORS ASKED TO BACK INCREASED AID TO ARMENIA, NAGORNO KARABAGH
Armenian Weekly
Mon, May 16 2011
Dear Colleague' letter circulated by Rep. Pallone Urges $60 million
for Armenia; $10 million for Karabagh
WASHINGTON-Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) circulated
a letter urging his U.S. House colleagues to support expanded U.S. aid
to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, and a number of other pro-Armenia
provisions in the Fiscal Year 2012 foreign aid bill, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In his letter, Rep. Pallone, calls upon his fellow Representatives
to join with him in co-signing a Congressional letter asking
the bipartisan leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee on
State-Foreign Operations to support the inclusion of the following
provisions:
At least $60 million in economic support funds for Armenia.
At least $10 million in development aid to Nagorno Karabagh.
The strengthening of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and
maintaining military aid parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The removal of barriers to U.S.-Nagorno Karabagh contacts and
communications.
Support for the reinstatement of Nagorno Karabagh in the OSCE Minsk
Group peace process.
At least $10 million in military aid to Armenia.
Armenian Americans can urge their Representatives to cosign this
letter by sending them an ANCA WebMail from the following link:
http://www.anca.org/action_alerts/action_disp.php?aaid=45469501
In his letter urging his colleagues to take action, Rep. Pallone
cites ongoing Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh as a primary reason to "enforce current law restricting
military aid to Azerbaijan." Rep. Pallone added that, "Short of this,
the letter asks that parity in military financing between Armenia and
Azerbaijan be restored. The President has broken this long-held policy
in International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding for
the two countries."
Rep. Pallone goes on to note that, "U.S. funding has also been
tremendously helpful in alleviating humanitarian crises in
Nagorno Karabakh. We are thus requesting $10 million in aid for
Nagorno-Karabakh and urging that aid be provided for humanitarian
and developmental programs. We also ask for an end to any remaining
restrictions on official government contact between the United States
and Nagorno-Karabakh and that representatives of Nagorno Karabakh be
reinstated in the ongoing Minsk Group Peace Process."
The complete text of the Congressional letter to the leadership
of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations is
provided below.
***
May 16, 2011
The Honorable Kay Granger Chairwoman Appropriations Subcommittee
on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Room HT-2, The
Capitol Building Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member Appropriations Subcommittee
on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs 1016 Longworth
House Office Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Lowey:
As you prepare the Fiscal Year 2012 State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations bill, we write in strong support
of U.S. assistance to Armenia and other aid related provisions
that contribute to peace and stability in the Caucasus region. We
respectfully request that you consider the following requests listed
in priority order:
Economic Assistance to Armenia
Armenia is a crucial ally in a strategic region of the world between
Europe and the Middle East and it has extended its full support in
the war on terror. On May 10, 2011, Armenia announced that it will
triple its troop deployment serving in the NATO-led International
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan to 130 personnel. Armenia
also has forces in Kosovo as part of the NATO KFOR operations and
was part of the coalition peacekeeping operations in Iraq.
The people of Armenia continue to face the devastating impact of Turkey
and Azerbaijan's dual blockades, illegal actions that according to
World Bank estimates from several years ago cost Armenia roughly $720
million annually. Our assistance programs have played a vital role in
helping alleviate the crushing blockades and promoting the development
of Armenia's free market system and democratic institutions.
Armenia consistently ranks as among the top 40 freest economies
in the world according to the Wall Street Journal and the Heritage
Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom. This year, Armenia was ranked
the 36th freest economy in the world, just behind South Korea and
above France, Italy and Turkey.
We respectfully request that you include language within the Assistance
for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia Account ensuring that not less
than $60 million is appropriated for Armenia in Fiscal Year 2012.
Assistance to Nagorno Karabakh
U.S. policy toward the South Caucasus states has included promoting
the resolution of the conflict surrounding the independent Republic
of Nagorno Karabakh. It is more important than ever that the United
States maintain a principled stand for peace in this region and support
Nagorno Karabakh. There is no question that Nagorno Karabakh is an
example of how democracy can be born from conflict and progress into
a popularly supported government.
We request that the subcommittee include language directing USAID to
spend not less than $10 million in Fiscal Year 2012 for humanitarian
and development programs in Nagorno Karabakh.
We would like to further point out that the State Department has
failed to follow Congressional intent to deliver funds to Nagorno
Karabakh. From 2004 to 2010, the State Department expended less than
$13 million, while Congressional intent expressed through conference
reports and public law called for $46 million for humanitarian and,
as of 2010, development assistance. It is therefore vital that the
subcommittee include language requiring that not less than $10 million
be expended in Fiscal Year 2012.
Enhancing Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act
Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act continues to stand as a powerful
provision of U.S. law in principled opposition to Azerbaijan's
blockade and other aggressive uses of force against Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh.
Despite calls on all parties to refrain from threats of violence,
Azerbaijan has repeatedly violated the cease fire agreement and
opposed the OSCE Minsk Group's calls to pull back snipers. On more
than one occasion, Azerbaijan's President has announced that "only
the first stage of war is over," and his Defense Minister stated in
February 2011 that Azerbaijan is "seriously preparing" for war.
Moreover, in March 2011, the United States criticized Azerbaijan
for threatening to shoot down civilian airliners flying to Nagorno
Karabakh.
As you know, the Fiscal Year 2002 Foreign Operations Appropriations
Act created a broad waiver authority that opened the door to military
assistance to Azerbaijan. In light of Azerbaijan's behavior, and as a
contribution to the cause of a lasting and equitable negotiated peace,
we urge you to narrow this presidential waiver. We urge you to narrow
this presidential waiver as follows:
The President may waive section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act if he
determines and certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that to
do so-
(A) the assistance is necessary to support United States efforts
to counter international terrorism, or to support the operational
readiness of United States Armed Forces or coalition partners to
counter international terrorism;
(B) the assistance will not undermine or hamper ongoing efforts to
negotiate a peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan or be
used for offensive purposes against Armenia or Nagorno Karabakh; and
(C) in the last fiscal year, Azerbaijan has not taken hostile action,
either through military force or incitement, including but not limited
to threatening pronouncements by government officials, toward Armenia
or Nagorno Karabakh and has demonstrated its commitment to a lasting
peace with Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Assuming all conditions of this new waiver authority can be met, and
military assistance is provided to Azerbaijan, we urge you to uphold
the Appropriations Committee's long-standing tradition of maintaining
parity in funding between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Military Assistance to Armenia
The U.S.-Armenia military relationship continues to expand in scope
and depth, building upon Armenia's cooperation in anti-terrorism
efforts and its past deployment of forces to both Iraq and Kosovo.
Armenia also sent a military deployment to Afghanistan in support of
the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission and just
announced that it was tripling its forces in Afghanistan. Past U.S.
military aid has played a vital role in modernizing Armenia's armed
forces, strengthening the principle of civilian control, promoting
increased NATO interoperability, and supporting the growth of Armenia's
peacekeeping capabilities.
We request that the subcommittee include $8 million in FMF and $2
million in IMET funding for Armenia in Fiscal Year 2012.
Removing restrictions on contacts and communication with Nagorno
Karabakh
The time has come for ending restrictions on travel, contacts, and the
free exchange of ideas between U.S. officials and the democratically
elected leaders of Nagorno Karabakh. These outdated restrictions stand
in the way of greater mutual understanding, hinder direct oversight of
U.S. assistance programs, limits cooperation on regional priorities,
such as public health and anti-narcotics efforts, undermine our
effectiveness in promoting democracy, and ultimately place artificial
limits on our diplomatic and civil society efforts to bring about a
fair and durable peace.
We respectfully request that the following report language be included
in the bill.
"In the interest of promoting mutual understanding, regional
cooperation, and a fair and lasting peace, the Committee directs the
Department of State, to remove any official or unofficial restrictions
on U.S.-Nagorno Karabakh travel, visitations, discussions, meetings,
contacts, consultations, exchange programs, or other governmental or
civil society communication, cooperation, or interaction."
Furthermore, in order that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict come to
a peaceful resolution through the OSCE Minsk Process it is vitally
important that representatives from Nagorno Karabakh be reinstated in
the negotiations. Although, Nagorno Karabakh was formerly officially
included for several years, they have not recently had a part in the
ongoing international negotiations aimed at determining their future.
We request that the subcommittee include report language that
recognizes the importance of including representatives of Nagorno
Karabakh in the ongoing Minsk Process.
Confidence Building Measures
In past years, the subcommittee has provided funding for
confidence-building measures to help facilitate a peaceful resolution
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In order to facilitate peace, we
recommend that these funds continue to be made available for increased
cooperation among Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. In
particular, we respectfully request language urging Azerbaijan to
support confidence-building measures that facilitate interaction
among the parties, in order to address regional security, resource
management, infrastructure, development and people to people programs.
Thank you for your leadership on the Appropriations Subcommittee on
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. We are grateful for
your role in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and
Armenia and on all the issues we have raised. We appreciate your
consideration of these requests.
From: A. Papazian
Armenian Weekly
Mon, May 16 2011
Dear Colleague' letter circulated by Rep. Pallone Urges $60 million
for Armenia; $10 million for Karabagh
WASHINGTON-Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) circulated
a letter urging his U.S. House colleagues to support expanded U.S. aid
to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, and a number of other pro-Armenia
provisions in the Fiscal Year 2012 foreign aid bill, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In his letter, Rep. Pallone, calls upon his fellow Representatives
to join with him in co-signing a Congressional letter asking
the bipartisan leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee on
State-Foreign Operations to support the inclusion of the following
provisions:
At least $60 million in economic support funds for Armenia.
At least $10 million in development aid to Nagorno Karabagh.
The strengthening of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and
maintaining military aid parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The removal of barriers to U.S.-Nagorno Karabagh contacts and
communications.
Support for the reinstatement of Nagorno Karabagh in the OSCE Minsk
Group peace process.
At least $10 million in military aid to Armenia.
Armenian Americans can urge their Representatives to cosign this
letter by sending them an ANCA WebMail from the following link:
http://www.anca.org/action_alerts/action_disp.php?aaid=45469501
In his letter urging his colleagues to take action, Rep. Pallone
cites ongoing Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh as a primary reason to "enforce current law restricting
military aid to Azerbaijan." Rep. Pallone added that, "Short of this,
the letter asks that parity in military financing between Armenia and
Azerbaijan be restored. The President has broken this long-held policy
in International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding for
the two countries."
Rep. Pallone goes on to note that, "U.S. funding has also been
tremendously helpful in alleviating humanitarian crises in
Nagorno Karabakh. We are thus requesting $10 million in aid for
Nagorno-Karabakh and urging that aid be provided for humanitarian
and developmental programs. We also ask for an end to any remaining
restrictions on official government contact between the United States
and Nagorno-Karabakh and that representatives of Nagorno Karabakh be
reinstated in the ongoing Minsk Group Peace Process."
The complete text of the Congressional letter to the leadership
of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations is
provided below.
***
May 16, 2011
The Honorable Kay Granger Chairwoman Appropriations Subcommittee
on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Room HT-2, The
Capitol Building Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member Appropriations Subcommittee
on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs 1016 Longworth
House Office Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Lowey:
As you prepare the Fiscal Year 2012 State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations bill, we write in strong support
of U.S. assistance to Armenia and other aid related provisions
that contribute to peace and stability in the Caucasus region. We
respectfully request that you consider the following requests listed
in priority order:
Economic Assistance to Armenia
Armenia is a crucial ally in a strategic region of the world between
Europe and the Middle East and it has extended its full support in
the war on terror. On May 10, 2011, Armenia announced that it will
triple its troop deployment serving in the NATO-led International
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan to 130 personnel. Armenia
also has forces in Kosovo as part of the NATO KFOR operations and
was part of the coalition peacekeeping operations in Iraq.
The people of Armenia continue to face the devastating impact of Turkey
and Azerbaijan's dual blockades, illegal actions that according to
World Bank estimates from several years ago cost Armenia roughly $720
million annually. Our assistance programs have played a vital role in
helping alleviate the crushing blockades and promoting the development
of Armenia's free market system and democratic institutions.
Armenia consistently ranks as among the top 40 freest economies
in the world according to the Wall Street Journal and the Heritage
Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom. This year, Armenia was ranked
the 36th freest economy in the world, just behind South Korea and
above France, Italy and Turkey.
We respectfully request that you include language within the Assistance
for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia Account ensuring that not less
than $60 million is appropriated for Armenia in Fiscal Year 2012.
Assistance to Nagorno Karabakh
U.S. policy toward the South Caucasus states has included promoting
the resolution of the conflict surrounding the independent Republic
of Nagorno Karabakh. It is more important than ever that the United
States maintain a principled stand for peace in this region and support
Nagorno Karabakh. There is no question that Nagorno Karabakh is an
example of how democracy can be born from conflict and progress into
a popularly supported government.
We request that the subcommittee include language directing USAID to
spend not less than $10 million in Fiscal Year 2012 for humanitarian
and development programs in Nagorno Karabakh.
We would like to further point out that the State Department has
failed to follow Congressional intent to deliver funds to Nagorno
Karabakh. From 2004 to 2010, the State Department expended less than
$13 million, while Congressional intent expressed through conference
reports and public law called for $46 million for humanitarian and,
as of 2010, development assistance. It is therefore vital that the
subcommittee include language requiring that not less than $10 million
be expended in Fiscal Year 2012.
Enhancing Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act
Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act continues to stand as a powerful
provision of U.S. law in principled opposition to Azerbaijan's
blockade and other aggressive uses of force against Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh.
Despite calls on all parties to refrain from threats of violence,
Azerbaijan has repeatedly violated the cease fire agreement and
opposed the OSCE Minsk Group's calls to pull back snipers. On more
than one occasion, Azerbaijan's President has announced that "only
the first stage of war is over," and his Defense Minister stated in
February 2011 that Azerbaijan is "seriously preparing" for war.
Moreover, in March 2011, the United States criticized Azerbaijan
for threatening to shoot down civilian airliners flying to Nagorno
Karabakh.
As you know, the Fiscal Year 2002 Foreign Operations Appropriations
Act created a broad waiver authority that opened the door to military
assistance to Azerbaijan. In light of Azerbaijan's behavior, and as a
contribution to the cause of a lasting and equitable negotiated peace,
we urge you to narrow this presidential waiver. We urge you to narrow
this presidential waiver as follows:
The President may waive section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act if he
determines and certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that to
do so-
(A) the assistance is necessary to support United States efforts
to counter international terrorism, or to support the operational
readiness of United States Armed Forces or coalition partners to
counter international terrorism;
(B) the assistance will not undermine or hamper ongoing efforts to
negotiate a peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan or be
used for offensive purposes against Armenia or Nagorno Karabakh; and
(C) in the last fiscal year, Azerbaijan has not taken hostile action,
either through military force or incitement, including but not limited
to threatening pronouncements by government officials, toward Armenia
or Nagorno Karabakh and has demonstrated its commitment to a lasting
peace with Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Assuming all conditions of this new waiver authority can be met, and
military assistance is provided to Azerbaijan, we urge you to uphold
the Appropriations Committee's long-standing tradition of maintaining
parity in funding between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Military Assistance to Armenia
The U.S.-Armenia military relationship continues to expand in scope
and depth, building upon Armenia's cooperation in anti-terrorism
efforts and its past deployment of forces to both Iraq and Kosovo.
Armenia also sent a military deployment to Afghanistan in support of
the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission and just
announced that it was tripling its forces in Afghanistan. Past U.S.
military aid has played a vital role in modernizing Armenia's armed
forces, strengthening the principle of civilian control, promoting
increased NATO interoperability, and supporting the growth of Armenia's
peacekeeping capabilities.
We request that the subcommittee include $8 million in FMF and $2
million in IMET funding for Armenia in Fiscal Year 2012.
Removing restrictions on contacts and communication with Nagorno
Karabakh
The time has come for ending restrictions on travel, contacts, and the
free exchange of ideas between U.S. officials and the democratically
elected leaders of Nagorno Karabakh. These outdated restrictions stand
in the way of greater mutual understanding, hinder direct oversight of
U.S. assistance programs, limits cooperation on regional priorities,
such as public health and anti-narcotics efforts, undermine our
effectiveness in promoting democracy, and ultimately place artificial
limits on our diplomatic and civil society efforts to bring about a
fair and durable peace.
We respectfully request that the following report language be included
in the bill.
"In the interest of promoting mutual understanding, regional
cooperation, and a fair and lasting peace, the Committee directs the
Department of State, to remove any official or unofficial restrictions
on U.S.-Nagorno Karabakh travel, visitations, discussions, meetings,
contacts, consultations, exchange programs, or other governmental or
civil society communication, cooperation, or interaction."
Furthermore, in order that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict come to
a peaceful resolution through the OSCE Minsk Process it is vitally
important that representatives from Nagorno Karabakh be reinstated in
the negotiations. Although, Nagorno Karabakh was formerly officially
included for several years, they have not recently had a part in the
ongoing international negotiations aimed at determining their future.
We request that the subcommittee include report language that
recognizes the importance of including representatives of Nagorno
Karabakh in the ongoing Minsk Process.
Confidence Building Measures
In past years, the subcommittee has provided funding for
confidence-building measures to help facilitate a peaceful resolution
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In order to facilitate peace, we
recommend that these funds continue to be made available for increased
cooperation among Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. In
particular, we respectfully request language urging Azerbaijan to
support confidence-building measures that facilitate interaction
among the parties, in order to address regional security, resource
management, infrastructure, development and people to people programs.
Thank you for your leadership on the Appropriations Subcommittee on
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. We are grateful for
your role in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and
Armenia and on all the issues we have raised. We appreciate your
consideration of these requests.
From: A. Papazian