File:Budget and Economic Outlook - An Update (2008) - edited by Congressional Budget Office - page 49.webp

Summary

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=FKe_0F_GUHIC - page 49

strong signal must be sent to Azerbaijan, or any other country that threatens to go to war against a U.S. ally, and zeroing out their military funding does just that. Why would we continue to fund a military eager to go to war with our ally Armenia? Another example of the U.S. not abiding by its own policy is the illegal blockade of Armenia by Turkey and Azerbaijan. Since instituting the blockade, Turkey has hindered Armenia's economy with its economic blockade. In fact, the State Department has estimated that the blockade has increased Armenia's transportation costs by 30-35%.

As Armenia continues to suffer under the oppressive acts of its neighbors the United States has done little to help. Year after year the Administration proposes to reduce Armenia's economic assistance, yet year after year Armenia struggles to compete in the global economy. In talks with Turkey does the Administration discuss the illegal blockade of Armenia and the negative impact it has on the country as a whole? I fear that the answer is no.

It is a well known that economic ties between two countries foster a better relationship. The relationship between Turkey and Armenia is severely damaged at best and I strongly believe that increased international support for normalizing economic relations between the two countries would solve more than economic issues.

In closing, I want to reiterate that the Administration needs to be engaged on bringing Turkey to the table with Armenia. You need to hold Azerbaijan accountable and you need to be involved in fostering cooperation between all countries in the region. This is the essence of U.S. policy.

Between now and January 20, 2009 I sincerely hope the Administration will take the opportunity to confront these issues head on. I look forward to working with the Administration on these issues. The next six months will be important not only for the region but also for setting the stage for the next Administration in 2009.

Once again, thank you Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for allowing me to be a part of such an important hearing on the Caucasus region.

ATTACHMENT A-AZERBAIJANI RHETORIC

         QUOTE SHEET 

President Ilham Aliyev speaking in reference to the Karabakh conflict and Armenia: • According to the President, in the course of the following months, things should be made clear as to the continuation of the talks. "We hope that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan will be reestablished, because everything should be within certain limits, and the Azerbaijani Army is the strongest in the region and is able to liberate its lands", (April 18, 2008)

• In 2008, speaking a day after Azeri forces failed to capture an Armenian position along the Line of Contact, leaving 8 Azeris dead: "We are buying military equipment, aircraft, ammunition, to be ready to liberate our territories. Our military budget has reached $1.3 billion [a year] and will continue to grow .. Force is the decisive factor [in the world]. (Regnum, March 5, 2008) In 2008: The capital of Armenia "Iravan [Yerevan] was a gift to the Armenians in 1918. This was a great mistake. The Iravan khanate was Azerbaijani land, the Armenians were guests here." Following that statement, head of Azeri Parliament Oktay Asadov promised to establish a commission to find out who is to blame for the "mistake." (Trend, January 17, February 1, 2008)

• In 2007: "The war is in not yet over, only its first stage has been completed. We are buildup up our army and economy and must be ready to use all means necessary to liberate our lands from occupation. And we are nearing that day We are ready for a military operation at any moment.” (Kavkazskiy Uzel, July 2, 2007)

• In 2006, "Our policies must be aggressive. We must attack. We must step up an information and economic attack while strengthening our military potential. We must increase pressure on Armenia. We must be ready for war." (AFP, October 2, 2006)

• In 2005: “At any moment we must be able to liberate our territories by military means. To achieve this we have everything." (AFP, July 25, 2005)

• In 2004: “Azerbaijan will soon become economically strong, and militarily superior. We cannot react positively to those calling us to compromise.” (Zerkalo, July 23, 2004)