House affirms policy of regional cooperation
ArmRadio.am
26.07.2006 11:52
The House of Representatives today voted to help ensure that US
regional cooperation and economic integration is maintained by making
certain that no Export-Import funding is used for a railroad project
sponsored by the Turkish and Azeri governments that seeks to exclude
Armenia from economic and regional transportation opportunities.
Lawmakers approved H.R. 5068, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization
Act of 2006, which included an amendment by Congressman Joseph Crowley
(D-NY), along with Congressmen Edward Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman
(D-CA), ensuring that taxpayer dollars will not be spent on efforts
that would isolate Armenia – which is already facing dual blockades
by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The amendment, which was unanimously approved by the House Financial
Services Committee last month, states that "The Bank shall not
guarantee, insure, extend credit, or participate in an extension of
credit in connection with the development or promotion of any rail
connections or railway-related connections that do not traverse or
connect with Armenia, and do traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan,
Tbilisi, Georgia, and Kars, Turkey."
The proposed bypass railway is estimated to cost upwards of $800
million and is expected to take years to construct. The existing line,
which crosses Armenia, is in working condition and could be operational
in a matter of weeks at very little cost. Armenian government officials
have repeatedly said that a new costly railway is unnecessary given
that a railroad linking Armenia, Georgia and Turkey already exists.