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PALLONE LAUDS HOUSE APPROVAL OF $73.25 MILLION IN AID FOR ARMENIA, $5 MILLION FOR NAGORNO KARABAKH |
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Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives last night approved $67.5 million in economic assistance and $5.75 million in military assistance to Armenia and up to $5 million in aid for Nagorno Karabakh said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.
During a speech on the House floor, Pallone lauded the President and his House colleagues for maintaining military assistance parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, approving $5.75 million for each country.
"By allocating equal levels of military and security assistance to both nations, the U.S. government will preserve its credibility as an impartial and leading mediator in the continuing sensitive peace negotiations for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Pallone said. "Given the ongoing Azerbaijani blockades and threats to renew military aggression against Armenia and Karabakh, it is critically important that the Administration continue to promote balanced short- and long-term policies that elevate regional cooperation and reduce the risk of conflict in the South Caucasus region."
The funding for Armenia approved by the House was $12.5 million more than what was requested in the President's Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06) budget earlier this year. Pallone said the funding reaffirms the United States' commitment to Armenia and ensures that the relationship between our two countries grows stronger economically and militarily.
" I’m pleased the House bill provides significantly more money to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh than what President Bush requested in his budget," Pallone said. "These funds are crucial as Armenia continues to implement economic and democratic reforms in the continued shadow of dual blockades."
Pallone also emphasized the need for Congress to maintain the full $5 million in funding for Nagorno Karabakh, $2 million more than what Congress appropriated last year. Pallone said funding provides critical humanitarian assistance to Nagorno Karabakh, helping to fund the rebuilding of homes, improving water supplies and healthcare and providing income-generating opportunities for the most vulnerable groups.
Pallone and U.S. Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) spearheaded a letter with 43 of their House colleagues calling on the members of the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee to support the pro-Armenian provisions in the funding bill. |
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