Armenian Americans are joining with friends of Armenia from across the United States in making a final push for U.S. House and Senate conferees to include pro-Armenian provisions - including report language mandating at least $10 million for Nagorno-Karabakh - in the Fiscal Year 2012 foreign aid bill, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The ANCA website - www.anca.org - hosts an action alert, complete with phone scripts, for community activists to use in calling on their legislators to support Armenian American priorities in the FY12 foreign aid bill. 

Last week, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter urging the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on State-Foreign Operations, to “direct USAID and the Department of State to focus not less than $10 million for humanitarian and development programs in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.”  In a statement accompanying his letter, the California legislator, who serves on this foreign aid panel, stressed that:

“Given the continued drumbeat of bellicose rhetoric emanating from Azerbaijan, it is more important than ever that the United States support the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.  Directing these resources to Nagorno-Karabakh will not only help the people of Karabakh cope with humanitarian crises resulting from the twin blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan, but it will also help to stabilize the region by demonstrating our continued commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”