WASHINGTON–Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) has called on his Senate and House colleagues to oppose "Silk Road" legislation aimed at repealing the restriction on US aid to the Azeri government–reported the Armenian National Committee of America.
In a statement on the House floor yesterday evening–Rep. Pallone characterized US policy toward the Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks as "seriously off track," and called for a fundamental reevaluation of the Administration’s approach to the negotiations.
"The recent change of government in Armenia affords an excellent opportunity for us to offer a new approach to the Karabakh conflict–one that recognizes the need for long-term–ironclad security arrangemen’s and full self-determination for the people of Karabakh," he said.
The New Jersey Congressman also expressed support for a $20 million earmark for Nagorno-Karabakh in fiscal year 1999 foreign aid bill. His statement comes on the eve of his upcoming visit to Armenia–where he will be joined by Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy.