Rep. Pallone calls for increased aid to Armenia, Artsakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) is currently securing the support of his U.S. House colleagues for increased aid to Armenia, expanded assistance for Nagorno Karabakh, targeted allocations for Javakhk, and refugee resettlement funding for displaced Christian Armenian populations in the Middle East, in the Fiscal Year 2013 foreign aid bill, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The New Jersey legislator and longtime leader on Armenian issues has circulated a sign-on letter that will be sent to the leadership of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations. In seeking the support of his colleagues, he explained that: "This year’s request represents our strong support for U.S. assistance to Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia and displaced Christian Armenian populations in the Middle East. The funds provided through the FY 13 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill will ensure that we support the U.S.-Armenia strategic relationship through economic development and security assistance."

The key requests in the letter are:

-At least $5 million in U.S. aid to Nagorno Karabakh.

-At least 10% of U.S. assistance to Georgia to be earmarked for job creation programs in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of that country.

-At least $50 million in U.S. economic aid to Armenia.

-Funds for humanitarian and resettlement assistance specifically targeted to Armenian and other Christian populations as well as other minority communities affected by the recent unrest in the Middle East.

-Language strengthening Section 907 restrictions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan.

-Removal of barriers to contact and communication with representatives of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

-Language calling for the participation of Nagorno Karabakh leaders in the OSCE Minsk Group negotiations

Pro-Armenia activists are encouraged to send a free ANCA WebMail to their Representative to cosign the Congressional letter, which will be delivered to the Foreign Operations Subcommittee co-chairs on Monday, March 19.

"We join with Armenian Americans from the Garden State and across America is sharing our appreciation with Representative Pallone for bringing together legislators from both sides of the aisle to support Armenia's growth, Artsakh's security, Javakhk's welfare, and provide for the humanitarian needs of at-risk Armenians and other Christians in the Middle East," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.