[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   THE HUMANITARIAN AID CORRIDOR ACT

                                 ______


                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 1995
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. This important legislation, which 
received impressive bipartisan support last year, would ban U.S. 
assistance to countries which prohibit or restrict the transport of 
U.S. humanitarian aid.
  As we continue to evaluate our foreign aid program, it is critical 
that we assure that our foreign assistance reaches those in need 
quickly and efficiently. The unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid is 
particularly important in the republics of the former Soviet Union, 
where the transition from authoritarian rule to open, democratic 
processes has been especially difficult. While the forces of communism 
which once dominated Eastern Europe has been defeated, peace and 
democracy have not yet taken firm hold. As the struggle continues 
between the old guard and the past and the reform movement planing a 
free and democratic future, we must not abandon those who are working 
to establish democracy where once there was only repression, 
intimidation, persecution, and fear.
  The reform effort in central and Eastern Europe deserves the 
involvement and commitment of the United States. Since declaring its 
independence from Soviet rule in 1991, one of the countries in this 
region, the Republic of Armenia, has moved purposefully to establish a 
democratic system based on the principles of human rights and open 
market reforms. In the midst of a region marked by turbulence and 
instability, Armenia serves as a shining example of steadiness and 
freedom.
  There are several strategies which our government could use to 
nurture the reform effort undertaken by some of the nations in this 
pivotal region, including developing incentives for long-term U.S. 
private investment, providing emerging democracies with greater access 
to our markets, and extending the provisions of the general system of 
preferences to nations in the area. The most important and most basic 
step in our entire aid program, however, should be making sure that the 
assistance we are currently providing is delivered to its intended 
destination swiftly and by the most direct route possible.
  While successful and efficient delivery of humanitarian aid seems an 
obvious goal, it is one which is not always met. For example, much of 
the assistance destined for Armenia has been blocked by some of 
Armenia's neighbors as part of an on-going, 5-year economic embargo. 
The closure of cargo crossings in states bordering Armenia has forced 
the United States, in many cases, to transport aid around blockades at 
significant delay and expense. Because of the circuitous routes which 
United States aid to Armenia often is forced to travel, humanitarian 
assistance has been more susceptible to theft.
  Mr. Speaker, the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act is a common-sense bill 
which will ensure that we are not subsidizing nations which are making 
it more difficult and costly for us to deliver desperately needed aid. 
It will make sure that the assistance get through to those working to 
establish democratic institutions, and I rise in strong support of this 
important legislation.


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