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Dear Senator / Representative:
I am writing to ask you to work with your Congressional colleagues to support FY2021 foreign aid priorities of special concern to Armenian Americans and all friends of Armenia and Artsakh.
The United States has long enjoyed friendly relations with the Armenian people based upon our shared democratic values and our common interests in a secure, stable, peaceful and democratic Caucasus region.
Armenia is among the world highest per-capita providers of peacekeepers, having sent troops to support U.S., NATO and other international operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Kosovo, and Mali. Both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) are playing a constructive role in the OSCE Minsk Group process to settle outstanding status and security issues between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.
As you may recall, last year, 22 Senators and 89 Representatives co-signed bipartisan letters defending the USAID-funded HALO-Trust de-mining program in Nagorno Karabakh – an ancient Christian land and proud democratic republic – struggling to survive on the frontiers of faith and freedom.
I ask you to please ensure the inclusion of the following three legislative provisions in the actual text of the FY21 State-Foreign Operations Bill:
1) Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $10,000,000 shall be made available to:
— Fund de-mining and landmine risk education programs in Nagorno Karabakh, and
— Support Nagorno Karabakh-based regional rehabilitation services for survivors of landmine injuries and other individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
2) Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $90,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Armenia.
3) No funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act may be provided to the Government of Azerbaijan until the President determines, and so reports to the Congress, that the Government of Azerbaijan is taking demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Your public support and legislative leadership on each of these three provisions would hold great meaning for me, my family, and my local community. I look forward to hearing from you regarding your actions on these priorities, and to sharing news of your work with my social and network.
For more information, please feel free to contact Tereza Yerimyan of the Armenian National Committee of America at (202) 775-1918 or tereza@anca.org.
Sincerely,