Congressman Schiff introduced bill urging Turkey to lift blockade of Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a bill urging the President and Secretary of State to call upon Turkey to immediately lift its ongoing blockade of Armenia.



Rep. Schiff's spokesman, Mr Sean Oblack told PanARMENIAN.Net that the "End the Turkish Blockade of Armenia Act" requires a report from the Secretary of State within 30 days of final passage that will outline steps taken by the U.S. to end Turkey's blockade of Armenia.



"We need to step up pressure on Turkey to lift the draconian blockade of Armenia, permitting Armenian businesses to fully participate in the global economy and assisting Armenia's integration into Europe," said Schiff.



The State Department has estimated that the blockade is inflating Armenia's transportation costs by 30-35%, and the blockade has prevented U.S. and international humanitarian assistance from crossing its borders, which is a violation of U.S. law and international humanitarian standards.