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Sherman Presses Administration For Aid To Armenia In Aftermath Of Ru

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  • Sherman Presses Administration For Aid To Armenia In Aftermath Of Ru

    SHERMAN PRESSES ADMINISTRATION FOR AID TO ARMENIA IN AFTERMATH OF RUSSO-GEORGIAN CRISIS

    A1+
    [04:27 pm] 11 September, 2008

    Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) opened 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.

    Rep. Sherman is Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism,
    Nonproliferation and Trade.
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