ArmInfo. The Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) welcomes the appeal of a number of senators from the support group of Armenia in the US Congress, which contains serious concern about the sharp increase in US military assistance to Azerbaijan and the apparent lack of parity between Baku and Yerevan.
According to a statement from AAA to ArmInfo, Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jackie Speyer and Adam Schiff stressed in their address to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense that historic parity is the cornerstone for ensuring US regional stability and geostrategic interests. They called on the State Department and the Department of Defense to ensure parity in the provision of US military and financial assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The appeal was sent after Assembly members and activists met with members of Congress in the House and Senate, expressing concern about such an alarming development of the situation. During the meetings, the importance of relations between the United States and the Republic of Armenia, the increase in US financial assistance for the further promotion of democratic and economic reforms in Armenia was confirmed. "The Armenian Assembly of America is deeply concerned about the growing imbalance in US military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan, and notes that in accordance with the policy of the United States of America, parity should be maintained in the interests of peace and stability in the region," said Assembly Executive Director Brian Arduni.
As a result of the measures taken, the Senate appropriation subcommittee represented by its chairman Lindsey Graham and subcommittee member Chris Van Holen included an amendment for fiscal year 2020 on the agenda. The amendment will increase the funds already recommended to Armenia in the amount of $ 17.633 million through the "Assistance to Europe and Central Asia" program.
The project also confirmed support for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as humanitarian assistance to Artsakh. The document, in particular, notes that the subcommittee supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Process. Secretary of State and Head of USAID should consult with the Program Committee that can help resolve the conflict and help meet the humanitarian needs of all conflict victims. In addition, it was recommended that $ 1.5 million be sent to Armenian law enforcement agencies for international drug control.