Fried: Armenia to be assigned extra assistance

PanARMENIAN.Net - Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) opened a hearing entitled "U.S.-Russia Relations in the Aftermath of the Georgia Crisis" to address concerns and to "consider the future of U.S. relations with Russia in the aftermath of the crisis that erupted with sudden ferocity in the Republic of Georgia five weeks ago," reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).



Testifying on behalf of the Bush Administration, Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, starting with the region's history, told Members of Congress that the collapse of the former Soviet Union "was marked by ethnically-based violence, especially in the South Caucasus." Fried also explained, in greater detail, the Administration's $1 billion economic support package that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced on September 3, in an effort to help meet "Georgia's pressing humanitarian needs, repair infrastructure damaged by Russia's invasion, sustain commercial confidence, and restore economic growth." He added that the Administration would be working extensively with Congress, as to fine-tune how the assistance will be delivered.



During a question and answer session with Secretary Fried, Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA), citing a September 3, report from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty entitled, "Armenia Claims Huge Losses From Georgian Crisis," pressed the Administration whether they plan on providing additional aid to Armenia.



Fried commented that Armenia is already a recipient of significant amount of aid, although he acknowledged that Armenia has been impacted by the crisis. Sherman added that due to strife, Armenia has suffered an estimated $680 million in damage to its economy and again asked if additional aid would be provided. Fried responded that there would be more, but would have to look into the figure as to an amount.



The House Appropriations Committee will need to review the aid package, of which the Assembly last week sent a letter to Members of Congress pointing out the impact not only for Georgia, but Armenia as well.



In the letter, the Assembly wrote, in part, that:



"Armenia, as a land-locked nation facing dual blockades by its neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan, is forced to orient on a north-south axis for trade and shipment of goods and supplies. As such, the bombing of ports in Georgia and damage to rail lines therein has not only caused hardships for the people of Georgia, but also for Armenia, most prominently is the shortage of fuel."



"The Administration has an important opportunity to reinforce stated U.S. policy goals of regional cooperation and economic integration in the South Caucasus region," said Congressman Sherman. "As such, I was deeply troubled that the Administration failed to take into account the impact that this recent crisis has had on our ally Armenia. We must ensure that any aid package also includes Armenia," Sherman concluded.



"We commend Chairman Berman for holding this timely hearing and applaud Congressman Sherman for making sure that the needs of Armenia, as a result of this crisis, will be taken into account," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.