Pallone and Radanovich seek Congressional support for aid to Javakhk

PanARMENIAN.Net - In a bipartisan appeal, Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and George Radanovich (R-CA) reached out to their Congressional colleagues to support targeting portions of the proposed $1 billion post Georgia-Russia conflict aid package for the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia and to help offset the economic impact of the recent crisis on Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).



In a September 12th Dear Colleague letter, the two legislators explained to their fellow Representatives that Armenia, which continues to be materially harmed by the fighting to its north, has remained "a constructive partner to Georgia through ensuring safe transit for humanitarian needs, reconstruction assistance, and diplomatic measures." They also stressed the urgency of providing funds specifically for Samtskhe-Javakheti, a chronically underdeveloped region in Georgia, heavily populated by Armenians.



"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," Reps. Frank Pallone and George Radanovich said.



"We thank Representatives Pallone and Radanovich for their vision and compassion in addressing the pressing humanitarian and developmental needs, both in Georgia and in Armenia, created by the recent fighting," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We are hopeful that their colleagues will join with them in ensuring that the United States lends a helping hand to the people of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Armenia during this difficult time."