Armenia’s Economy Suffers $680 Mln. Damage From Russian-Georgian Conflict
12.09.2008,
18:12
Chairman Howard Berman opened Sept 9 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 fero
YEREVAN, September 12. /ARKA/. Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) opened Sept 9 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.
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 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.
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. –0—
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.
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 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.
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. –0—
