Proposition 907

[wh00t]

Does the AAA really support the repeal, or is it trying to save face as it will inevitably be abolished? Methinks the latter.

[MJ]

Alpha,

 

To have a meaningful discussion on the subject, I think it would be good to have the text of the resolution posted here. I personally cannot find it in my current conditions due to time and other limitations. However, would like to give my brief perspective on the subject:

 

1. I think at the time when the 907 was brought together it might've been a positive political statement, however it has outlived itself;

2. From the pragmatic and practical perspective it has been an empty declaration - it has never been enforced, and there have been enough loopholes in the resolution for the executive branch to go around it with a great easy, which has always been done;

3. From the moral and humanitarian perspective it has been a totally bankrupt resolution in view of the sufferings of the Azeri refugees living in tents, giving birth in rail carriages, growing children in inhumane conditions, etc, at least since the establishment of the ceasefire;

4. From the perspective of the future Armeno-Azeri relations it promises only more hate continuing from generations to generations, which is nothing for Armenia or Karabagh to be happy about;

5. From the PR perspective it has been a total disaster for Armenians;

6. From the political perspective it has been totally meaningless measure;

7. However, from the perspective of the "unity" of certain segments of Diaspora it has meant "we are doing something, and it keeps us together;"

8. I have periodically (every year) received emails from ANCA calling to rise up to defend the Section 907 (I have immediately deleted these emails), however I don't recall ever receiving such emails from AAA.

9. From the point of view of the American politics it has been a very harmful thing for it to appear as an even-handed moderator, and has limited the American influence on Azerbaijan around he negotiations table (not that the role of Russia and France has not been diminished for other reasons).

 

This is all I have right now, without having the text of the resolution in front of me.

 

[ October 22, 2001: Message edited by: MJ ]

[alpha]

Recently a lot has been talked about abolishing Proposition 907, which prohibits direct governmental aid to Azerbaijan unless it lifts the blockade on Armenia. While the limitations of this proposition are obvious (it hinders development of Caucasus), yet it provides leverage to Armenian side in negotiations with Azerbaijan. With Prop 907 on place the negotiations are not simply between Republic of Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan, but more like between Armenians and Republic of Azerbaijan. It’s an indication of power of Armenian Diaspora, with which Azerbaijan should encounter. Naturally the famous quote of a poet comes to mind, “Ov hye joghovurd ko prkutyun@, ko miasnakan uji mej e”. Prop 907 is a show of a “Miasnakan Uj”.

 

Just like in business in politics also it matters a great deal who you know and who is supporting you. In this case Armenian Diasporan organizations who are supported by powerful individuals and organizations are a major force in shaping the policy of a superpower in the Caucasus region. Armenian Assembly is an organization that can modify its stance to accommodate American interests, while promoting Armenian interests. Recently it has admitted that it won’t stand on the way of lifting Prop 907 if some preconditions are met. Being an organization which realistically assesses current situation I salute their move, and hope that ANCA will join them too. ANCA – supported by Dashnaks should take an example from Armenian Assembly and realistically assess current world politics.

 

What’s your stance on Prop. 907, and role of Armenian lobbying on this matter? Do you think their activities have been successful?

[Paul bunyan]

MJ, just how does the government get around the 907# restrictions? I don't want the government giving tha azeri

any of the taxpayer's money. First they will never pay any of it back,

Second, they will use any money they receive to support their armed forces in attacking Karabagh. The turks will help them with their agression they have stated publically that they will

this. Freedom Support Act 907#. must and will be maintained.

[MJ]

In a very elementary manner - through other countries (such as Turkey), through the private sector (for example by insuring through the governmental institutions the investment risk in Azerbaijan, while not doing the same in Armenia), through the non-profit organizations, and through many other ways, which a creative mind always can bring together in abundance.

[wh00t]

AAA press release snippet:

 

As the originator of Section 907, the Assembly opposed both repeal and

blanket waiver of this important legislation.

 

"However, our closest Congressional friends advised the Assembly that

presidential waiver authority would be granted, in some form," said

Government Relations Director Bryan Ardouny. "In order to ensure the best

possible outcome for Armenia and Karabagh, we advocated for a balanced and

limited waiver of Section 907, suggesting such conditions as restricting its

time and scope of activities, providing protection for Armenians, and

ensuring that the United States maintains parity in its security

relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan."

 

Thus confirming my original suspicious, as noted in my previous post.

[alpha]

MJ, I agree with you with some points, but allow me to have my reservations on others. I will try to answer to you in classical MJ style – point by point.

 

1. I think at the time when the 907 was brought together it might've been a positive political statement, however it has outlived itself;

 

Why has it outlived itself? The blockade of Armenia from East and West is still continuing? The point of Prop. 907 was lifting the blockade.

 

2. From the pragmatic and practical perspective it has been an empty declaration - it has never been enforced, and there have been enough loopholes in the resolution for the executive branch to go around it with a great easy, which has always been done;

 

It’s true that there are enough loopholes in Prop 907 for executive branch to go through it, but it’s better to have something in place even with many loopholes than nothing at all. If it’s just an empty statement than why is government so anxious to get rid of it. Empty statements do not get as much attention as Prop. 907 is getting. Obviously there must be something more to it.

 

3. From the moral and humanitarian perspective it has been a totally bankrupt resolution in view of the sufferings of the Azeri refugees living in tents, giving birth in rail carriages, growing children in inhumane conditions, etc, at least since the establishment of the ceasefire;

 

The suffering of Azeri refugees has nothing to do with Prop. 907. It’s a direct result of ineptness of Azeri government. They make their people suffer for propaganda reasons. While Azeri refugees are living in tents and Azeri government is not letting them settle in other areas of the country, Armenia has helped Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan in assisting them in finding housing, although most of them chose to immigrate to Krasnodar and Stavropol.

 

4. From the perspective of the future Armeno-Azeri relations it promises only more hate continuing from generations to generations, which is nothing for Armenia or Karabagh to be happy about;

 

I don’t understand how does Prop. 907 solve the issue of historic hatred. Only economic development will solve this issue. Unless the blockade is lifted there can be no economic development of Caucasus. So in other words Prop. 907 is a mechanism to force Azeri government to lift the blockade and stop hindering the economic development of Caucasus.

 

5. From the PR perspective it has been a total disaster for Armenians;

 

How? How is Prop. 907 a disaster. In contrary it’s a victory for Armenian lobby and amongst senators who are undecided on this issue can show how powerful is Armenian lobby, thus making them think twice before voting.

 

6. From the political perspective it has been totally meaningless measure;

 

Will you please elaborate on this. I don’t understand how can something be meaningless if it gets so much attention. Meaningless matters are ignored by State Department, not actively lobbied.

 

9. From the point of view of the American politics it has been a very harmful thing for it to appear as an even-handed moderator, and has limited the American influence on Azerbaijan around he negotiations table (not that the role of Russia and France has not been diminished for other reasons).

 

American influence on Azerbaijan is enormous. It just made Azeris become more pro American than Texans are (I hope you understand the metaphor). It’s not like they have another choice. Their support comes from Turkey, and Turkey is financed by US. Since the collapse of Turkish economy the relations of Azerbaijan and Russia have improved. Why? Because Turkey became a less reliable partner.

[MJ]

Alpha,

 

I am tired today - got home after Mindnight. Besides, being away from home the entire week, have to catch up with the family. Will get back to you hopefully before Monday.

 

As a comment however, it is a little hard to argue specifically without having the text of the Resolution in front of us.

[MJ]

Just the following material, for now:

 

Armenia ‘Understands’ Freeze On U.S. Sanctions Against Azerbaijan

Posted on - 25/10/01 21:23 By ArmenianDaily.com

 

 

Yerevan, (October 25, 2001)

Armenia reacted Thursday positively to the US Senate’s decision the previous day allowing President George Bush to suspend sanctions against its arch-rival Azerbaijan as part of Washington’s ongoing anti-terror campaign. Official Yerevan, which in turn has been promised American military assistance, indicated that it is satisfied with conditions attached to the imminent waiver of Section 907 of the 1992 Freedom Support Act.

 

Following strong pressure from the White House, the Senate allowed the Bush administration to give military and other assistance to Azerbaijan if it helps US efforts to crush worldwide terror networks and is not used for any “offensive purposes against Armenia.” Secretary of State Colin Powell argued in a letter to the lawmakers last week that Baku should be rewarded for its strong support for the US military action in Afghanistan.

 

The two main Armenian-American groups, which had helped impose the sanctions on Azerbaijan, offered conflicting interpretations of Wednesday’s Senate vote. One of them called it “a victory for Armenia,” while the other described it as a “a setback to the cause of lifting Azerbaijan's dual blockades of Armenia and Nagorno Artsax.”

 

In Yerevan, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said Section 907, which seriously restricts US funding to Azerbaijan until it lifts the blockade, was amended only “insofar as it is necessary for combating terrorism.” “The Armenian government understands that the US administration needs some flexibility in [dealing with] Azerbaijan for an effective fight against terrorism, just as the American government understands that Azerbaijan has not lifted the blockade and therefore can not receive unlimited assistance from the US,” Oskanian said in a statement. He noted with satisfaction that Congress and the White House “did not cave in” to long-running Azerbaijani pressure to repeal Section 907 altogether.

 

Oskanian made the comments on his return from Washington where he met with senior State Department officials. The issue of the Azerbaijan sanctions were high on the agenda of his two-day talks, the foreign ministry said.

 

President Robert Kocharian and other Armenian had earlier warned that the removal of the aid restrictions would send a wrong message to the Azerbaijani leadership, making it more reluctant to make serious concessions on Artsax. They argued that the repeal of Section 907 should be part of a “package” deal ending the decade-long conflict.

 

The softening of Yerevan’s position may have been the result of the Senate’s parallel decision to allocate $4 million in foreign military financing assistance and $600,000 in international military education and training assistance to Armenia. The provision, suggested by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), seeks to address Armenian concerns.

 

“Since military assistance will be provided to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, chances that the war will resume are slim,” said Arpi Vartanian, the executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America. “I don’t think that Azerbaijan will get much more than Armenia because that would hamper a peaceful settlement,” she told RFE/RL.

 

The Bush administration has yet to specify the volume of its planned aid to Azerbaijan. It is also not clear what concrete forms the US military support to the two Caucasus foes will take. US warplanes taking part in the military campaign against Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban are believed to be using Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s airspace, giving them a vital corridor to Central Asia.

 

The Armenian Assembly said the Senate decision giving Bush authority to waive Section 907 was a “victory for Armenia.” "We commend Senator McConnell and the Administration for their diligence in obtaining a limited and balanced waiver of Section 907 law which protects Armenia's and Artsax’s legitimate security interests while ensuring that President Bush has the tools he needs to counter worldwide terrorism,” the chairmen of the Assembly’s board of trustees and board of directors said in a statement.

 

The other Armenian advocacy group active on Capital Hill, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), disagreed strongly, arguing that the waiver gives Bush “nearly unrestricted authority to provide military aid to Azerbaijan” and that the conditions set by the Senate are vague. "We are extremely disappointed by the Senate's action this evening and will continue to press forward with our efforts throughout the remainder of the legislative process to educate members of Congress about the negative impact that weakening Section 907 will have for U.S. interests in the Caucasus region," said ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian.

 

The ANCA and several other Armenian-American organizations have criticized the Assembly for not joining their campaign to prevent any amendments in Section 907. The Assembly, however, insists that with US public opinion overwhelmingly supportive of Bush’s actions since the September 11 terrorist attacks, it was impossible to block the White House initiative.

 

“Our closest Congressional friends advised the Assembly that presidential waiver authority would be granted, in some form," said its government relations director Bryan Ardouny. "In order to ensure the best possible outcome for Armenia and Artsax, we advocated for a balanced and limited waiver of Section 907, suggesting such conditions as restricting its time and scope of activities, providing protection for Armenians, and ensuring that the United States maintains parity in its security relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan."

 

The two lobbying groups have successfully resisted previous White House attempts to have Congress repeal Section 907.

 

Meanwhile, Itar-Tass news agency reported that Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage discussed the expected waiver of the US sanctions in a phone conversation with Azerbaijan’s President Heydar Aliev on Thursday. Aliev, according to his press service, “expressed disagreement with some provisions” of the Senate decision. No details were reported.

---

by Emil Danielyan

 

LEGAL NOTICE

All materials copyrighted by ArmenianDaily.com may be copied and distributed without any restrictions and preliminary permissions.

As a gesture of support we invite all publishers, using our material, to refer to it as a source of information.

 

 

Source: RFE/Radio Liberty - Armenian Service

[alpha]

The Newly passed amendement

 

To amend the FREEDOM Support Act to authorize the President to waive the restriction of assistance for Azerbaijan if the President determines that it is in the national security interest... (Introduced in the Senate)

 

S 1521 IS

 

 

107th CONGRESS

 

1st Session

 

S. 1521

To amend the FREEDOM Support Act to authorize the President to waive the restriction of assistance for Azerbaijan if the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to do so.

 

 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

October 9, 2001

Mr. BROWNBACK introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

A BILL

To amend the FREEDOM Support Act to authorize the President to waive the restriction of assistance for Azerbaijan if the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to do so.

 

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. WAIVER OF RESTRICTION ON ASSISTANCE TO AZERBAIJAN.

 

Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act (Public Law 102-511; 22 U.S.C. 5812 note) is amended--

 

(1) by striking `United States' and inserting `(a) RESTRICTION- United States'; and

 

(2) by adding at the end the following:

 

`( WAIVER- The President is authorized to waive the restriction in subsection (a) if the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to do so.

[alpha]

Original Section 907

 

Title IX: Other Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to remove Czechoslovakia, Estonia, East Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Albania, Bulgaria, Poland, Yugoslavia, Romania, and the Soviet Union from the list of Communist countries to which assistance is prohibited.

 

Makes a provision of the Federal criminal code that prescribes penalties for financial transactions with foreign governments in default on obligations to the United States inapplicable with respect to obligations of the former Soviet Union.

 

Amends the SEED Act of 1989 to authorize the President to conduct SEED activities in any East European country similar to those being conducted in Hungary and Poland (with specified exceptions).

 

Authorizes the President to furnish administration of justice assistance to East European countries under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

 

Includes Albania, Bulgaria, the Czech and Slovak Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and states that were once part of Yugoslavia in the definition of "East European countries" for purposes of the SEED Act.

 

Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend certain provisions granting refugee status or permanent residence to nationals of the independent states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

 

Prohibits U.S. assistance under this Act (other than title V) or any other Act to the Government of Azerbaijan until the President reports to the Congress that such government is taking steps to cease all blockades and uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Artsax.

 

 

AMDT.2686

AMENDS: S.2532

SPONSOR: Sen Kerry, (introduced 07/02/92)

Conditioning aid to Azerbaijan on that country's demonstrated steps to end blockades and other offensive actions against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabach.

TEXT OF AMENDMENT: CR S9862

 

STATUS:

 

Jul 2, 92 Proposed by Senator Pell for Senator Kerry.

 

Jul 2, 92 Amendment SP 2686 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

[MJ]

Alpha,

 

First, thanks for appending me to the list of the classics.

 

Will reply in the same spirit.

1. I think at the time when the 907 was brought together it might've been a positive political statement, however it has outlived itself; - MJ

Why has it outlived itself? The blockade of Armenia from East and West is still continuing? The point of Prop. 907 was lifting the blockade. –Alpha

Because it has never had any impact on the Azerbaijani policy, whatsoever, and it is very likely that it would have absolutely no impact on it in the future.

2. From the pragmatic and practical perspective it has been an empty declaration - it has never been enforced, and there have been enough loopholes in the resolution for the executive branch to go around it with a great easy, which has always been done;-MJ

It’s true that there are enough loopholes in Prop 907 for executive branch to go through it, but it’s better to have something in place even with many loopholes than nothing at all. If it’s just an empty statement than why is government so anxious to get rid of it. Empty statements do not get as much attention as Prop. 907 is getting. Obviously there must be something more to it. -Alpha

But what does that “something” give us? US cannot give direct help to Azerbaijan through the Government of Azerbaijan? Who cares?

3. From the moral and humanitarian perspective it has been a totally bankrupt resolution in view of the sufferings of the Azeri refugees living in tents, giving birth in rail carriages, growing children in inhumane conditions, etc, at least since the establishment of the ceasefire; -MJ

The suffering of Azeri refugees has nothing to do with Prop. 907. It’s a direct result of ineptness of Azeri government. They make their people suffer for propaganda reasons. While Azeri refugees are living in tents and Azeri government is not letting them settle in other areas of the country, Armenia has helped Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan in assisting them in finding housing, although most of them chose to immigrate to Krasnodar and Stavropol. –Alpha

I have not said that the Proposition 907 is the reason of the sufferings of the Azeri refugees. However, given their sufferings, helping them to cope with their problems would’ve been suitable action from the American side, since analogous assistance is given to the Armenian side. However, I agree with your explanations on the attitude of the Azerbaijani Government towards its own people. Nothing new about it. The lives of their people are worth nothing to them. This was apparent even during the military operations. Much like the Iraqi Government also agreeing to starve its own nation for whatever political statements of militaristic ambitions.

 

4. From the perspective of the future Armeno-Azeri relations it promises only more hate continuing from generations to generations, which is nothing for Armenia or Karabagh to be happy about; -MJ

I don’t understand how does Prop. 907 solve the issue of historic hatred. Only economic development will solve this issue. Unless the blockade is lifted there can be no economic development of Caucasus. So in other words Prop. 907 is a mechanism to force Azeri government to lift the blockade and stop hindering the economic development of Caucasus. –Alpha

What do you think is crossing through the minds of the Azeri refugees living in tents and rail carriages? Who do they blame? What do they teach to their children born in these tents and carriages? If their living conditions were improved, wouldn’t they have harbored less hatred towards Armenians?

5. From the PR perspective it has been a total disaster for Armenians; -MJ

How? How is Prop. 907 a disaster. In contrary it’s a victory for Armenian lobby and amongst senators who are undecided on this issue can show how powerful is Armenian lobby, thus making them think twice before voting. –MJ

Many US Congressmen and Senators express deep disgust at some activities of the Armenian Lobby, which comes every year to get assistance for Armenia and Karabagh, but tends to block similar assistance for Azeris. Guess what the reaction of these lawmakers is when voting for the resolution on the Armenian Genocide.

6. From the political perspective it has been totally meaningless measure;-MJ

Will you please elaborate on this. I don’t understand how can something be meaningless if it gets so much attention. Meaningless matters are ignored by State Department, not actively lobbied. –Alpha.

That’s my point. It is a measure for the sake of the show and “demonstration of mussel,” and consolidation of the Armenian Diaspora in the US. It has had no policy implications, and has had no impact on the lifting of the blockade. No one is even so naïve as to expect it. It is just a small nuisance for the Azeri Government.

9. From the point of view of the American politics it has been a very harmful thing for it to appear as an even-handed moderator, and has limited the American influence on Azerbaijan around he negotiations table (not that the role of Russia and France has not been diminished for other reasons). –MJ

American influence on Azerbaijan is enormous. It just made Azeris become more pro American than Texans are (I hope you understand the metaphor). It’s not like they have another choice. Their support comes from Turkey, and Turkey is financed by US. Since the collapse of Turkish economy the relations of Azerbaijan and Russia have improved. Why? Because Turkey became a less reliable partner. –Alpha

I don’t know about it being enormous but, sure, America has levers of pressure on Azerbaijan (as well as on Armenia) though these levers are not well exercised, in my view. However, around the negotiations table, any time the US makes pressure on Azerbaijan, Azeris claim (may be just for maneuvering purposes, but nevertheless) that the US is not an impartial moderator. This game is being especially well played and coordinated between the Azeri opposition and the Government – sort of good cap-bad cap game.

 

 

P.S. Thanks for the posting the text of the relevant parts of the Resolution.

[MosJan]

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL PANEL DECISION IS DIPLOMATIC VICTORY FOR ARMENIA

16.11.2001

 

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ One of the leaders of "Dashnaktsutyun" party Vahan Hovhannisian considers the decision of U.S. House-Senate committee conference A diplomatic victory of Armenia. As it is known, the panel members passed a decision to accompany the foreign aid bill by a report, which says the American aid cannot be used by Azerbaijan "against the Armenian communities in the Southern Caucasus." This implies to the military aid, which according to the passed bill U.S. Administration can render to Azerbaijan in spite of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act.

 

Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

[MJ]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joan Ablett

November 14, 2001 (202) 393-3434

 

 

PROTECTION FOR ARMENIANS UNDERSCORED IN

TEMPORARY SECTION 907CHANGES

Conference Committee Approves $90 Million in Aid to Armenia

 

Washington, DC - The Armenian Assembly today praised the action of the joint Conference Committee, in particular, the leadership of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), approving limited changes to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Those changes ensure protection for Armenians and include $90 million in aid to Armenia plus an additional $4 million in Foreign Military Financing. The final agreement includes strong language emphasizing that any assistance to Azerbaijan cannot be used for aggressive purposes against Armenian communities in the Southern Caucasus. Congress also reserves the right to review the conditional waiver to Section 907 in the Fiscal Year 2003 bill.

 

The general bill includes language on confidence-building measures and report language on prompt disbursement of aid to Nagorno Karabagh.

 

This action comes after the Senate-approved version of the bill late last month which followed President George W. Bush's request for more flexibility in the Caucasus region to conduct the war on terrorism. The changes spelled out in amendments introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) prevent a proposed total waiver of Section 907 but protect both America's and Armenia's security interests.

 

"The Assembly's goal is to assist and protect all Armenians and this Conference Committee result achieved exactly that. The final language makes it clear that Congress reserves the right to review changes to Section 907 next year, in the FY 2003 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill. It also states in no uncertain terms that any assistance to Azerbaijan cannot be used for aggressive purposes against Armenian communities in the Southern Caucasus. Finally, assistance is maintained at $90 million and an additional $4 million is added for Foreign Military Financing," said Assembly Government Relations Director Bryan Ardouny.

 

"We commend Senator McConnell for his leadership in assuring that the interests of all Armenians and all Americans are maintained in this legislation. We also thank the other three principals who worked to achieve this result - Congressman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) as well as Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and all those who supported this final agreement."

 

The report language also includes "not less than $300,000 for International Military Education Training." It emphasizes the importance of progress in the peace process and indicates that any congressional review of Section 907 will take into account Azerbaijan's behavior in the peace talks. The conference report also recommended that $5 million be used for an education initiative and calls for the timely completion of the investigation of the November 30, 2000 murder of John Alvis, the resident director of the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Azerbaijan.

 

The Conference Committee's bill language confirms the Assembly's view that Section 907 was amended to protect American and Armenian security interests, is balanced and supports the U.S.-led coalition forces as they conduct the war against terrorism in the region.

 

In an earlier statement, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) emphasized the protection provided by his amendment to Section 907. He said, "Counter-terrorism assistance to Azerbaijan will not be forthcoming unless the President determines and certifies to Congress that the assistance will not undermine or hamper ongoing efforts to negotiate a peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan or be used for offensive purposes against Armenians. The Administration has assured us that they support peaceful negotiations and that none of our counter-terrorism efforts will disrupt these talks."

 

Senator McConnell also thanked the Armenian-American community, saying, "I also want to recognize the invaluable input and encouragement of patriotic Armenian-Americans who understand the importance of supporting America's efforts to fight terrorism on every front."

 

The Assembly successfully opposed both repeal and blanket waiver of this important legislation. However, congressional friends advised the Assembly and others that given the current international crisis, presidential waiver authority would be granted, in some form.

 

Section 907 restricts U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan until it removes its blockades of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. The blockades have severely hindered economic development in the region, causing high unemployment and unprecedented economic crisis. It was adopted in 1992 by Congress to address Azerbaijan's aggressions against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Each year since 1992, both bodies of Congress have repeatedly affirmed the need for Section 907.

http://www.aaainc.org/press/11-14-01.htm