THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVES 2001 FOREIGN ASSISTANCE BILL WITH EMPHASIS ON ENDING KARABAKH CONFLICT

PanARMENIAN.Net - 14.07.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. The House of Representatives on July 13 approved the FY 2001 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act which provides funding for confidence-building measures to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and also "urges the Secretary of State to move forthwith to appoint a high-level, long-term Special Negotiator to facilitate direct negotiations and any other contacts that will bring peace to the people of the South Caucasus."

As was reported to MEDIAMAX at Armenian Assembly of America, Washingtnon, D.C., the bill maintains Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which restricts US assistance to the government of Azerbaijan while it continues its ongoing blockade of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

The bill provides for $740 million in assistance for the Independent States (IS) of the Former Soviet Union--$99 million less than that account received in FY 2000. Armenia should receive 12.5 percent, or $92.5 million of the IS account total.

Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues co-chairs Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Porter (R-IL) and Caucus member Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) spoke about Armenia during their floor remarks.

Congressman Porter emphasized the importance of appointing a special negotiator as a means to end the Nagorno Karabagh conflict.

"I feel that a special negotiator is of critical importance in making progress on the peace process," said Congressman Porter. "It is vital that the State Department provide for a long-term special negotiator to follow through on this process."

"As Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev hopefully resume face-to-face discussions, I hope that the United States will do everything possible to facilitate a lasting peace in this region."

Congressman Pallone noted that even though the absolute dollar amount of the IS account is lower this year than last, Armenia's portion of the total amount is higher than last year.

"Given the fact that budgets are tight this year and the total level of assistance to the IS has been decreased, I appreciate the fact that the appropriators have recognized the need to continue our commitment to Armenia," said Pallone. "Armenia is a nation that has continued on the path of democracy and free market economic reforms, despite daunting challenges both external and internal."

"Armenia continues to suffer the effects of blockades imposed by its neighbor to the west, Turkey, and by its neighbor to the east, Azerbaijan."

Congressman Knollenberg emphasized the importance of the US-Armenian relationship and disbursement of previously-allocated US assistance to Nagorno Karabagh.

"This bill helps to strengthen our relationship with our friend and ally, Armenia," said Congressman Knollenberg. "The US relationship with Armenia is vital to our effort in promoting democratization, economic development, peace and stability in the independent states and particularly in the Southern Caucasus."

"This bill contains much-needed funding for Armenia as well as important language directing the administration without further delay to release the remainder of the $20 million provided in 1998 for the victims of the Nagorno -Karabakh conflict," added Knollenberg.

Approval by the House sends the Bill to a House-Senate Conference Committee where the House and Senate versions of the Bill must then be reconciled before it is sent to the President for his signature or veto.

The Senate version, approved on June 22, provides "not less than" $89 million in US assistance to Armenia, provides funding for confidence-building measures to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and maintains Section 907. --0--