WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff testified today before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations to ask for $90 million in foreign aid to Armenia - a substantial increase over President Bush's budget request - to help offset the negative economic impacts of the Azerbaijani and Turkish blockades.
"The dual blockages of Armenia by Azerbaijan and Turkey continue to impede Armenia's economic growth," Schiff said today. "Armenia's exile from regional and international trade has severely affected its global progress and standing in the world community. I urge my colleagues on the Foreign Operations Subcommittee to approve aid at a level that truly mirrors America's commitment to Armenia and stem the tide of further economic regression in the region."
According to the World Bank, the blockades of Armenia cost the nation between 30 to 38% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year and block up to 50% of Armenia's potential exports.
Using the World Bank figure for Armenia's 2000 GDP of $1.9 billion, the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades cost Armenia between $570 million to $722 million annually (www.anca.org).
In his testimony, Rep. Schiff said that the Subcommittee's Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill was an "excellent vehicle by which to send a strong message to the Administration to call on the government of Azerbaijan to lift its blockade of Armenia. As long as Armenia is subjected to blockades on its east and west borders, continued U.S. assistance is necessary. Our nation is grateful to Armenia for its support of our continuing war on terrorism and we look forward to a new era of military and security cooperation."
Rep. Schiff is a long-time advocate for continued aid to Armenia and U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Schiff is a member of the House Armenian Caucus, a bi-partisan group of over 70 lawmakers who work together on issues dealing with the Republic of Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian Genocide and human rights. Schiff also serves on the House International Relations Committee which has jurisdiction over all aspects of U.S. relations with foreign countries, the American Red Cross, United Nations Organizations, international financial and monetary organizations and international human rights issues.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.