WILL U.S. PLACE IMPORTANCE ON NKR?
Support A1+!U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone met with Nagorno Karabakh President Bako Sahakyan on November 22 during Sahakyan’s visit to the U.S.
"With President-elect Obama preparing to take office next month, the United States must play a more active role in peace negotiations through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group. Our robust involvement is essential for all parties to commit to peace,” stated U.S. Rep. (D-NJ), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Frank Pallone, Jr.
"It is necessary that the United States place an importance on the existence of the smaller states in the Caucasus. The conflicts over South Ossetia and Abkhazia are examples of a failed Stalinist approach to carving up the Caucasus. The United States must not ignore the unique cultural identities of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. As a country founded on self-determination, we must champion the rights of people everywhere to self-determination.”
In addition, Pallone will also urge a shift in U.S. aid to Nagorno-Karabakh from humanitarian to developmental programs in the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations package.
“I believe this shift from humanitarian to economic funding would greatly help rebuild Nagorno Karabakh's infrastructure. The assistance would also help secure the health and safety of the people of Nagorno Karabakh."
