Requests Information on Potential Violation of U.S. Arms Export Laws
WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America on Friday called on the bipartisan leadership of key Senate and House oversight committees to investigate potential violations of U.S. arms export laws in connection with published reports that Azerbaijan will showcase U.S.-made Bell 412 helicopters at its June 26 military parade.
In letters sent to Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Adam Smith (D-WA) of the House Armed Services Committee, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian requested: “in the interest of ensuring compliance with U.S. laws… a definitive explanation of any and all statutory restrictions, Executive Branch prohibitions, and other policies and practices regarding the direct or third-party sale or transfer of military or potentially dual-use U.S. equipment or technology to Azerbaijan.”
The letter also sought clarification of the review process for such sales/transfers, a listing of past or pending sales or transfers, and an update on any investigations of potentially illegal sales or transfers to Azerbaijan.
“News of Azerbaijan deploying offensive U.S. arms requires a serious public spotlight and strong Congressional oversight,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director. “This is a bright line: The U.S. government must keep American arms out the hands of Azerbaijan’s rabidly anti-Armenian Aliyev regime.”
The full text of the ANCA’s June 22, 2018 letter is provided below.
Dear Chairmen McCain and Thornberry and Ranking Members Reed and Smith:
We are writing, in connection to published reports that the Azerbaijani military will showcase U.S.-manufactured Bell 412 helicopters during its June 26th military parade, to request a definitive explanation of any and all statutory restrictions, Executive Branch prohibitions, and other policies and practices regarding the direct or third-party sale or transfer of military or potentially dual-use U.S. equipment or technology to Azerbaijan.
In the interest of ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and advancing our national interest in a peaceful resolution of outstanding status and security issues between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, we request:
A listing of all laws, prohibitions, regulations, policies, and practices – including those under U.S. arms export control laws, Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, and other legal authorities governing direct or third-party sales or transfers of military or potentially dual-use U.S. equipment or technology to Azerbaijan.
A description of the U.S. government’s process for reviewing proposed direct or third-party sales or transfers of military or potentially dual-use U.S. equipment or technology to Azerbaijan, including an explanation of the roles and responsibilities of each of the various departments, agencies and other stakeholders involved in such reviews.
A listing of all past and pending direct or third-party sales or transfers of military or potentially dual-use U.S. equipment or technology to Azerbaijan, including descriptions of equipment, relevant dates, costs, and other relevant details.
A listing of any investigations of potential violations of U.S. laws, prohibitions, regulations, and policies related to direct or third-party sales or transfers of military or potentially dual-use U.S. equipment or technology to Azerbaijan.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns and your leadership in ensuring that our nation’s export control laws are respected. We look forward to hearing from you and to sharing your response with our community.
Sincerely,
Aram Hamparian
Executive Director
cc:
The Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State
The Honorable James Mattis, Secretary of Defense
Guess it’s not really a violation since they’re showcasing it for the world to see. Basically, with my limited knowledge, I would surmise that money is the mover and shaker of all such deals. Emotions, justice, rightfulness, and conscientiousness have no place in world politics. But then again, I’m just a nobody with little or no knowledge of the ways of the world, unlike our worldly fellow commentator Hagop.
US Sales of arm to Azerbedjian is outrages and totally unacceptable. AND I VOTE!!!
Avo said that the Azerbaijani army is the best supplier of the Armenian armed forces. Actually, the Armenian forces need to capture the better helicopters.