PanARMENIAN.Net - A new bipartisan bill titled the "ARMENIA Security Partnership Act" has been introduced in the U.S. Congress, aiming to strengthen Armenia's security and suspend U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan. The legislation was presented by Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Frank Pallone, co-chairs of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, with active support from the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The bill seeks to prohibit the U.S. President from waiving Section 907 restrictions on aid to Azerbaijan until President Ilham Aliyev's regime undertakes clear, verifiable steps toward a durable peace with Armenia.
Such steps include the unconditional and immediate release of all Armenian prisoners and hostages, the full withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia's sovereign territory, the realization of the right of return for the Armenian population of Artsakh, and the safeguarding of Armenian religious and cultural heritage.
"The legislation ends the U.S. policy of enabling Azerbaijan's ongoing aggression and redefines American foreign policy around measurable standards for peace and accountability," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of ANCA's Washington office.
The bill also includes a review of U.S. security assistance to Armenia, aimed at enhancing the country's defensive capacity and deterrence capabilities, especially if Azerbaijan fails to meet the proposed conditions.
Co-sponsors of the Armenia Security Partnership Act include Representatives Brad Sherman, David Valadao, Chris Smith, Gabe Amo, among others. The bill is expected to garner broad bipartisan support in the coming period.
According to a statement from the ARF Armenian Cause Central Council, the bill is introduced amid renewed efforts to restore U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan, despite the complete depopulation of Artsakh's Armenian population, continued detention of Armenian prisoners, occupation of Armenian sovereign territory, and ongoing violations of international law.
Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1992. Since 2002, successive U.S. Presidents have waived its enforcement, enabling direct U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
