REP. SCHIFF: ARTSAKH CAN'T BE ALLOWED TO FALL INTO ALIYEV'S HANDS
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 - 11:00 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, a long-time
supporter of self-determination for the people of Nagorno Karabakh
said he believes that "unless the United States and its Minsk Group
partners take concerted efforts to resolve the status of Nagorno
Karabakh in a way that reflects the will of the people of Artsakh, the
prospect for renewed fighting and horrific casualties will grow."
"It is in everybody's interest to see this matter settled and it
should be a diplomatic priority for 2013," Rep. Schiff said in a
statement published by Asbarez.
"Years of fighting and economic isolation have left Nagorno Karabakh
seriously underdeveloped. With the assistance of the Armenian-American
community, I have been pressing for USAID to devote more assistance to
Artsakh. While I have succeeded in getting the amount for next year
more than doubled (to $5 million) in the State Department funding bill
pending in the House of Representatives, the need is much greater and
more aid will be necessary," he said.
"Building a strong, independent Artsakh is only half of the equation,
however. Azerbaijan must also be reminded that the price for its
actions is high. Azerbaijan treasures the security assistance that it
receives from Washington, not because it needs the money (it does
not), but because it signifies a certain closeness in the bilateral
relationship. By cutting off military aid to Azerbaijan, the United
States would signal its disgust with the Safarov affair, while also
reminding Aliyev that the United States will not tolerate any acts of
aggression against Armenia or Artsakh."
"The people of Artsakh - overwhelmingly Armenian and overwhelmingly
Christian - cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of Aliyev. By
celebrating a murderer, he and his country have shown the world their
true nature and made a compelling case for hastening full recognition
of independent Artsakh," Rep. Schiff concluded.
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 - 11:00 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, a long-time
supporter of self-determination for the people of Nagorno Karabakh
said he believes that "unless the United States and its Minsk Group
partners take concerted efforts to resolve the status of Nagorno
Karabakh in a way that reflects the will of the people of Artsakh, the
prospect for renewed fighting and horrific casualties will grow."
"It is in everybody's interest to see this matter settled and it
should be a diplomatic priority for 2013," Rep. Schiff said in a
statement published by Asbarez.
"Years of fighting and economic isolation have left Nagorno Karabakh
seriously underdeveloped. With the assistance of the Armenian-American
community, I have been pressing for USAID to devote more assistance to
Artsakh. While I have succeeded in getting the amount for next year
more than doubled (to $5 million) in the State Department funding bill
pending in the House of Representatives, the need is much greater and
more aid will be necessary," he said.
"Building a strong, independent Artsakh is only half of the equation,
however. Azerbaijan must also be reminded that the price for its
actions is high. Azerbaijan treasures the security assistance that it
receives from Washington, not because it needs the money (it does
not), but because it signifies a certain closeness in the bilateral
relationship. By cutting off military aid to Azerbaijan, the United
States would signal its disgust with the Safarov affair, while also
reminding Aliyev that the United States will not tolerate any acts of
aggression against Armenia or Artsakh."
"The people of Artsakh - overwhelmingly Armenian and overwhelmingly
Christian - cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of Aliyev. By
celebrating a murderer, he and his country have shown the world their
true nature and made a compelling case for hastening full recognition
of independent Artsakh," Rep. Schiff concluded.