MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
19-07-2006
Minister Oskanian Visits Bosnia and Herzegovina
Minister Oskanian is in Bosnia and Herzegovina on a three-day working
visit. On July 18, he met with his counterpart Mladen Ivanic.
During the meeting, the two focused on a number of bilateral and
international issues. They noted that Armenia – Bosnia-Herzegovina
relations are in the formation stage, and expressed mutual interest
in deepening the economic cooperation, which can be enhanced due to
the absence of political disagreement between the two countries.
In this context, the Ministers stressed the need to create a legal
framework, which will contribute to deepening and activating bilateral
relations. Specifically, they stressed the importance of preparing
agreements on support and protection of investments, trade and economic
cooperation, visits without an entrance visa for those with diplomatic
and service passports.
The Ministers touched upon the current status of development of the
Republic of Armenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Minister Ivanic spoke
of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development following the collapse of
Yugoslavia the peace that followed the Dayton Accords.
The two exchanged views on the European orientation of their countries’
foreign policies, and presented the present status of their relations
with the European Union and NATO.
Minister Oskanian and Minister Ivanic also stressed the importance
of mutually beneficial cooperation in the framework of international
organizations.
Both attached importance to boosting cultural cooperation for the two
peoples get to know each other. In this regard, visits of delegations
and cultural events should be organized, they said.
The Ministers informed each other on the latest developments in
the region, as well as the two countries’ present relations with
neighboring countries.
Minister Oskanian briefed his counterpart on the present status of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process.
Toward the end of the meeting, Armenia’s Foreign Minister invited
Minister Ivanic to visit Armenia. A press conference followed the
meeting.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEETS WITH PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN, AMB. EVANS
DURING OFFICIAL VISIT TO ARMENIA
Washington, DC – Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny
participated in a series of meetings with U.S., Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh government officials, July 1-7, to assess and discuss the
U.S.-Armenia/ U.S.-Karabakh relationships and exchange perspectives
on a wide range of regional and bilateral issues.
During the course of the week-long visit, Ardouny and Country
Director for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh Arpi Vartanian met with
several high-level officials, including President Robert Kocharian and
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans. The meetings were part of
the Assembly’s long-standing practice of exchanging views with Armenian
and Karabakh officials, as well as U.S. officials. Among the critical
issues discussed were – U.S. economic and humanitarian assistance,
the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, the Millennium Challenge Account
Armenia Program, the upcoming elections, and barriers to Armenia’s
regional and economic integration.
Beginning on July 4, Ardouny met with President Kocharian to
review Assembly activities in Washington, including efforts to
seek continued robust assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh
for Fiscal Year 2007. Ardouny reiterated the Assembly’s commitment
to maintain assistance levels following recent action by the full
Senate Appropriations Committee to cut Armenia’s overall funding to
$58 million. He added, however, that the Committee voted to maintain
military assistance parity ($4.29 million) between Armenia and
Azerbaijan – a key legislative priority for the Assembly.
Ardouny also discussed the status of an Assembly-backed bill
that would prohibit U.S. funding for a proposed railway that would
connect Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey while bypassing Armenia. House
resolution 3361, and its Senate counterpart S.2461, would prevent the
U.S. from facilitating the construction of the rail line which seeks
to isolate Armenia by enhancing the ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani
blockades.
Last month, the House Financial Services Committee voted that no
Export-Import funding would be used for the proposed rail link
project. More recently, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Nominee Richard
E. Hoagland testified during his Senate confirmation hearing that it
would make economic sense to rehabilitate the existing rail line which
traverses Armenia, adding that the U.S. supports regional cooperation
and economic integration. Armenian government officials have repeatedly
said that a new railway is unnecessary given that a railroad linking
Armenia, Georgia and Turkey already exists and could be operational
within weeks, for a fraction of the cost.
Ardouny, who traveled to Stepanakert in 1998 and again in 2001, also
discussed the recent developments regarding the Nagorno Karabakh
peace process.
“Our meetings in Yerevan were extremely productive and I look forward
to similar exchanges in the future,” said Ardouny. “The Assembly will
continue its efforts to support a secure, prosperous and democratic
Armenia. As to the peace process, it is critical that the security and
rights of the people of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh are protected.”
Ardouny also met with Ambassador John M. Evans on July 5 and discussed
a range of bilateral issues including the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) compact – a U.S. financial assistance program. In
March, the U.S.-Armenia relationship took a major step forward
when the countries signed a five-year $235 million compact aimed at
reducing rural poverty and increasing agricultural productivity in
Armenia. Evans, who traveled to Washington for the historic signing,
also addressed the Assembly’s pan-Armenian Advocacy Conference where
he stressed that Armenia must do more to foster democratic reform in
order to remain eligible for MCC funding.
Ardouny also discussed aspects of the MCC grant program with Alex
Russin, the newly-appointed Millennium Challenge Corporation Resident
Country Director. On July 7, Ardouny and Vartanian, together with
Board of Trustees Member Van Krikorian, attended a reception at the
U.S. Embassy celebrating U.S. Independence Day.
In addition to his meetings with President Kocharian and Ambassador
Evans, Ardouny also met with Armenia’s National Assembly Speaker Tigran
Torosyan, Prime Minister Andranik Markarian, Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian, Defense Minister Serge Sargsian, Transport and Communication
Minister Andranik Manukyan, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy
Davit Avetissyan and NKR Representative in Armenia Karlen Avetissian.
Oskanian previously met with Assembly leaders in March, during an
official trip to the U.S. for the signing of the MCC compact. During
his visit, Oskanian participated in the Assembly’s National Conference
and Banquet in Washington, DC.
Before departing for the U.S., Ardouny also met with Assembly summer
interns during an event hosted by Board of Trustees Treasurer Edele
Hovnanian. He also visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial and laid
flowers at the Eternal Flame in honor of the victims of the 1915
genocide.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
### NR#2006-065
Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
/2006-065-1.JPG
Caption: Armenia President Robert Kocharian, right, with Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan.
065/2006-065-2.JPG
Caption: Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, left, with Armenia’s
National Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosyan at the National Assembly
of the Republic of Armenia on July 6.
06-065-3.JPG
Caption: Armenia’s Defense Minister Serge Sargsian flanked by Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny and Arpi Vartanian, Country Director for
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
-065/2006-065-4.JPG
Caption: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, right, met with
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny on July 4.
06-065-5.JPG
Caption: On July 2, Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, center, met with
Assembly summer interns during an event hosted by Board of Trustees
Treasurer Edele Hovnanian, far left.

AU LIBAN
L’evacuation des Canadiens se fait dans le chaos
CPACTUALITES/60719054/1019/CPACTUALITES
Presse Canadienne
Beyrouth, Liban
Une residante de Hamilton, en Ontario, qui cherchait a sortir du
Liban et qui s’etait fait dire de se presenter au port de Beyrouth
aujourd’hui, s’est fait refouler par les autorites sur place.
Lara Tcholakian, enceinte de six mois, etait en vacances au Liban
avec son mari et son fils d’un an.
Les autorites canadiennes avaient communique avec elle pour lui
dire qu’elle serait au sein du premier groupe d’evacues et l’avaient
invitee a se presenter au port a 8h ce matin, heure de Beyrouth.
Elle rapporte toutefois que c’etait le chaos total a son arrivee.
En entrevue telephonique avec la Presse Canadienne, Mme Tcholakian a
explique que des milliers de Canadiens etaient masses a l’entree du
port, sous un soleil accablant.
Un responsable canadien a annonce avec un porte-voix que le navire
accueillerait d’abord les femmes enceintes, les familles avec de
jeunes enfants et les personnes âgees. Or, elle raconte qu’on lui a
dit de facon très impolie que son nom n’etait pas sur la liste.
Après six heures de vaine attente, Mme Tcholakian, 33 ans, a dû se
resigner a retourner chez un membre de sa famille. Elle qualifie
la situation a Beyrouth de veritable cauchemar et deplore l’absence
d’informations en provenance des autorites canadiennes. Elle a indique
qu’une ligne telephonique d’urgence sans frais a ete mise en place
pour les Canadiens mais que les personnes au bout du fil n’ont que
rarement les bonnes informations.
–Boundary_(ID_qVzu3lShYHlnKBCj6qr4 iA)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armavia intends to increase the number of Aleppo-Yerevan flights
ArmRadio.am
19.07.2006 17:37
Armavia Company intends to incrase the number of Aleppo-Armenia
flights. The Commercial Department of the Company informs that it
will depend on the number of those willing to leave Lebanon because
of the military actions in the country.
Armenians first move to Aleppo, later they arrive in Yerevan in planes.
Currently the flights in this direction are executed once in a week.

Vartanov’s influential documentary “Parajanov: The
Last Spring” premieres in Poland
Mozart Entertainment
Post Office Box 17257
Beverly Hills, California 90209 US
World’s first Chechnya-born filmmaker, Armenian master documentarian,
Russian Academy of Cinema Arts Award recipient, Mikhail Vartanov
(Vardanov), will arrive to the Polish land on the 21st of July 2006
to present his influential masterpiece “Parajanov: The Last Spring”
which will open the Parajanov film retrospective and exhibiton at
the Era New Horizons Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

250 PEOPLE REGISTERED WITH ARMENIAN EMBASSY TO LEBANON TO LEAVE FOR
ARMENIA
Lragir.am
19 July 06
On July 20 Armenia will fly two planes to Syria to evacuate Armenians,
who moved to Syria from Lebanon to Armenia. The Lragir has learned from
the Department of Press and Information of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Armenia that 160 people were evacuated from Lebanon to
Armenia as on July 19, the majority are citizens of Armenia, the rest
are Armenian Lebanese. On July 20 two flights will transport 250
people registered with the Armenian Embassy to Lebanon. There are
both citizens of Armenia and Armenian Lebanese among them.

July 19, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
YOUTH GATHERING IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR THE
PRELACY RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL LECTURE SERIES
On July 8, 2006 a delegation of youth from the Western Prelacy Armenian
Church Youth Association left for St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic
Church in San Francisco. The mission of the delegation was to mark
the establishment of a new ACYA chapter in San Francisco.
The three-day visit with local clergy and leaders from the community
proved to be a major success and triumph for the ACYA.
The delegation consisted of Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Co-Director
of Christian Education, ACYA Central Board Chair Greg Martayan,
ACYA Central Board Secretary Ani Daglian, and several members from
various ACYA chapters.
On the evening of Saturday, July 8th, the delegation met with Rev.
Avedis Torosian and members of the St. Gregory Board of Trustees at
KZV Armenian School. The focus of the meeting was to create a one-year
plan for the local ACYA.
After the meeting came to a close, the delegation was invited for
a reception at the home of Prelacy Executive Council member Garbis
Bezdjian. The reception gave members of the delegation a better
understanding and a more complete picture of the issues affecting
the Armenian community in San Francisco and its needs.
On Sunday, July 9th, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian conducted Holy
Mass at St. Gregory Church and delivered the sermon. Immediately
following Mass, the Central Board of the ACYA had organized a
religious educational lecture at the church, held under the auspices
of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Participating
in the event were local leaders from various Armenian community
organizations, such as Homentmen, and youth from distances as far as
ninety miles away.
The gathering began with the opening prayer by Rev. Avedis Torosian
and introduction of the members of the delegation, after which he
invited Greg Martayan to deliver a message from the ACYA Central
Board. “On behalf of the ACYA Central Board, I would like to welcome
you all to this joyous event. It is with a great vision that I have
come here today…a vision that the San Francisco ACYA will grow in
its ranks by the hundreds within this year.”
Prior to discussing the topic of the day, Shant Kendirian, a youth
leader from Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, participated in the
gathering by presenting his book, “A Thousand and One Nights in the
Iraqi Army”, about his experiences as an American soldier in Iraq.
Following Mr. Kendirian’s presentation, Rev. Torosian invited Very
Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to address the audience. He turned the
gathering into a roundtable discussion, within which he opened the
floor to questions from the youth present. “The time with Very Rev.
Aznikian was the highlight of the event”, stated a local youth
leader. Questions such as “everlasting life” and “church involvement”
played a prominent role in the discussion. Very Rev.
Fr. Aznikian also addressed the importance of listening to parents
and elders. He stated, “it is through the acquired wisdom from your
parents that a good future can be made and sustained.” He continued
“when you are confused and when things don’t make sense, seek the
guidance of someone who has already been through such tribulations.”
At the end of the discussion, he closed the meeting with a prayer and
blessing of the day’s luncheon. During the reception that followed,
the youth took the opportunity to socialize and discuss issues of
concern. Subsequently, the delegation returned to Los Angeles pleased
with the outcome of the trip and hopeful that a solid foundation was
set on which the San Francisco ACYA will be built and thrive.
For information regarding the ACYA please call the ACYA Central Office
at (818) 981-6159 or your local parish.

July 19, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
PRAYER FOR PEACE AND UNITY IN LEBANON – PRELATE PLEDGES SUPPORT TO THE CONSUL GENERAL OF LEBANON
For over a week now Lebanon has been subject to attacks by Israel,
which has left the country in bloodshed and resulted in a humanitarian
and security crisis.
The attacks have left hundreds of Lebanese dead, mostly innocent
citizens, and damaged the infrastructure of the country.
In light of this tragedy, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, spoke with Consul General Charbel Wehbe on
Tuesday July 18, expressing his sympathy and that of the entire
Armenian community for the casualties the country has suffered,
wishing for unity and solidarity to prevail in Lebanon and among the
Lebanese people. The Consul General spoke of the situation in Lebanon,
and on behalf of the government requested that the Armenian community
offer any humanitarian assistance within their means to the civilian
victims. The Consulate is planning to designate a special committee
to coordinate these humanitarian efforts.
On Sunday July 23, a special prayer will be said in all Prelacy
churches for the lives lost in the fighting.
We urge our faithful to pray for peace, security, and unity in Lebanon.
WESTERN PRELACY DIVAN

“DURING ITS EU PRESIDENCY THE NEW GERMAN GOVERNMENT WILL DEFINITELY GO FOR
AN IMPROVED ENP”
(The exclusive interview of Dr. Joerg Himmelreich, Senior
Transatlantic Fellow, the German Marshall Fund of the United States,
to Mediamax news agency, June 2006)
In mid May 2006, German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke of the
need to bring the South Caucasus closer to Europe. Mediamax has
asked the Senior Transatlantic Fellow, Eastern Europe and Wider
Black Sea Region, the German Marshall Fund of the United States,
Dr. Joerg Himmelreich, to comment on the new policy of the German
government. The opinions in this interview reflect the personal
viewpoint of Dr. Joerg Himmelreich.
– On May 11, German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivered a speech in
Bundestag on “EU’s Eastern Policy” and spoke of the need
to bring South Caucasus closer to Europe. Did you expect to hear
something like this from Chancellor Merkel?
– Angela Merkel gave for the first time a broader outline of key
elements of the future German EU policy ahead of the German EU
Presidency in the first half of 2007 and the German G8 presidency in
2007. She underlined the importance of a common European Foreign
and Security Policy and of a common European Neighborhood Policy
for addressing the global challenges for the EU and for diminishing
a security gap between the EU and its neighbors. In his speech at
the Munich Security Conference this February, German Minister of
Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier had particularly underlined
the importance of the stabilization of the South Caucasus for the
stability of Europe.
– May we assume that Germany’s growing interest in the South
Caucasus region has been conditioned by the problems of energy
security which were brought to forefront early this year, or the
new policy was planned irrespective of it?
– The new German government seems to be deeply aware of various
problems of instability of the region – the unresolved frozen
conflicts, organized crime, terrorism and illegal trafficking of
people, drugs and arms – and their immediate threats for the European
security.
As the engaged European policy to the South Caucasus has as well to
keep in mind its effects on the relations with Russia, the main change
in the new government’s thinking is related to a slightly adjusted
German policy towards Russia. Russia remains a strategic partner
and the most important neighbor of the EU, but that doesn’t exclude
different understandings and approaches for the stabilization of
the South Caucasus and the whole common neighborhood region. As a
smart pupil of Helmut Kohl and by her own biography as a German of
the former GDR, Mrs Merkel has a particular sensibility for the
worries of the Eastern European states about Russia.
The security of energy transport routes via the South Caucasus and
the Wider Black Sea region is certainly a reason for the raising
importance of the region for Europe; Germany itself though doesn’t
have a big stake in this energy market. The broader geopolitical
context of the problems of the South Caucasus with its immediate
consequences for Europe has mainly driven the recognition of the
German government that Europe in its own key interest can’t anymore
afford a destabilization of this region.
– Should we consider Germany’s new view on the South Caucasus
in the context of the European Neighborhood Policy or in the light
of initiatives related to the Wider Black Sea region, or a separate
initiative is only meant?
– The German government has increasingly become aware of some
weaknesses of the existing European Neighborhood Policy. Even if the
EU can’t give any immediate membership prospective to the Eastern
European Neighbors, the long lasting implementation of the acquis
communitaire in these countries as the ultimate goal does not meet
the urgent challenges of stabilization of this region. Instruments
beyond the ENP have to be offered to these EU neighborhood countries
like the Barcelona process for the Mediterranean Neighborhood.
In particular, the regional cooperation of these countries has to
be strengthened. Russia is part of many problems, but has to be part
of the solution to establish regional security as well. Additional
ENP instruments therefore should contain elements enhancing regional
cooperation and including offers to Russia. A further developed ENP
will include elements of Wider Black Sea region cooperation.
The German government intensively reflects about a modified Black Sea
Stability Pact or an ENP Plus that contains additional support for
regional cooperation in areas like environmental protection, energy
security, infrastructure, security and trade regulation. With the
EU accession of Bulgaria and Romania by January 1st, 2007 the EU
will already consist of Black Sea states as member states.
– Can EU’s closer interest in Caucasus assist in softening existing
problems, for instance, normalizing relations between Armenia –
involved in the European Neighborhood Policy – and Turkey, striving
for the EU membership?
– The EU can only offer additional instruments for regional cooperation
and European integration. To which extend they will be fruitful depends
ultimately from the political will of the addressees. During the
long process of the negotiations with Turkey about its EU accession
it will be a key question to which extent Turkey is able and wishes
to contribute to the stabilization of the South Caucasus. Given her
close historical and cultural ties with the region Turkey can offer
a lot, if it is ready to accept its own history and the genocide like
prosecutions against the Armenian people by the Ottoman administration
at 1915.
– Do you agree with the viewpoint of the EU Special Representative
for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby that all three South Caucasus
countries move “in various directions”? If yes, then what dangers these
“various directions” may entail?
– There are no doubts that the South Caucasus consists of three very
different states, different in the status of democratic transition,
different in economic reforms and size, and different in some foreign
and security political aspects. All in all, however, I see a broad
overall strive of all the three countries for integration into
the EU and from a long term point of view even into NATO. Georgia
is strongly aspiring for NATO integration, Azerbaijan is carefully
assessing the ground for a more intensive NATO integration and Armenia
is looking for an active participation in the ENP and tries to easy
Russia’s strong grip. In some regard there is even a sort of common
competition among all three states who rushes quicker on the path to
Western integration. The people and the governments in all 3 states
are going to understand more and more that on the long term the West
has something to offer that other influential powers in the region
don’t: security and prosperity and freedom.
– In early and mid 90s, it has been suggested that the European
countries have “divided” the South Caucasus the following way:
Germany “supervises” Georgia, France – Armenia, and Great Britain –
Azerbaijan. May we say that the time for such schematic approaches has
gone and Germany’s ambitions now cover the whole South Caucasus region?
– This scheme, indeed, reflects some historical and economical
relations, but is driving neither the German nor the French nor
the British nor the EU policy. Neither Germany nor any other EU
member state can successfully pursuit any unilateral policy towards
the region. The only way to success is a more active, common EU
Neighborhood Policy as difficult as it is to find a common EU South
Caucasus policy among 25 member states with equal voting rights. During
its EU presidency the new German government will definitely go for
an improved ENP to make the EU integration of the 3 South Caucasian
states real.

[Congressional Record: July 17, 2006 (Extensions)]
[Page E1420]
> > From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access
> > [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr17jy06-17]
IN SUPPORT OF MAINTAINING NEUTRALITY WITH REGARD TO THE PEACE
NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA
______
HON. DAN BURTON
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 17, 2006
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, in the weeks leading up to the G-
8 summit, there was some speculation that the leaders of Azerbaijan
and Armenia might be invited to attend the summit as an incentive
to help spur further progress on peace negotiations between the two
countries over the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Unfortunately, it appears
that that did not happen; and I am deeply disappointed that the world
has missed the opportunity this summit offered to help promote peace
in a region which has been in conflict for far too long.
Although, in my opinion, a good opportunity to advance peace has been
lost, I have not lost hope that, together with other nations, we can
help Azerbaijan and Armenia achieve peace, and settle once and for
all the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, which I believe has significantly
stunted the development of both nations as well as the broader region.
In 1992, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe–CSCE–
now the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe–OSCE–
created the Minsk Group, a coalition of member states dedicated to
facilitating a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The co-chairs of
the Minsk Group–Russia, France, and the United States–have served
as mediators, trying to work in close and effective cooperation with
all parties towards a fair and effective settlement of the issues.
I believe though that our success and credibility as a mediator stems
from the policy of never appearing to favor one nation’s claims over
the other. I believe that even the modest steps towards peace which
we have witnessed, are a direct result of this neutrality. According
to the United States State Department’s 2005 Fact Sheet: “The United
States does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent country,
and its leadership is not recognized internationally or by the United
States. The United States supports the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan and holds that the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is a
matter of negotiation between the parties.” This has been the policy of
the United States towards this issue through both the Clinton and Bush
administrations, and it is important in my opinion that it remains the
same. Any outside influence, any shift in neutrality can only result
in a false peace. That is why I am deeply concerned when I hear some
of my colleagues throwing barbs at the Azeris and attempting to lay
all the blame for this complicated issue at their doorstep.
For example, one of my colleagues once said, “I have long supported
the right of self-determination for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh
and greatly admire the efforts of the people of this historically
Armenian region to build democracy and a market economy in the face
of hostility from Azerbaijan.” So far as I know, the Nagorno-Karabakh
region has never been a part of Armenia. To suggest otherwise, and
to suggest that the problems in Nagorno-Karabakh are caused solely by
Azerbaijan seem to me to distort the facts and potentially undermine
our good faith efforts to see this conflict resolved; and to see
peace and prosperity come to the people of both Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Mr. Speaker, I would encourage all of my colleagues to both maintain
our neutrality in policy, and to also realize that choosing one side
over the other at this point in time is a setback to peace, especially
when the side they appear to be choosing may be distorting the facts
for its own benefit.