[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              WAIVER OF THE HUMANITARIAN AID CORRIDOR ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 1996

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, last week, to the surprise and disappointment 
of the international human rights communities, as well as Members of 
this body, President Clinton exercised his option to waive the 
Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. Passed with strong bipartisan support as 
part of the fiscal year 1996 foreign operations appropriations bill, 
the Corridor Act is essential because it exerts the appropriate 
pressure on countries, such as Turkey, that block United States foreign 
assistance to the region.
  As the only Member of Congress of Armenian descent, I have a very 
deep understanding of how the Ottoman Empire decimated Armenians and 
wrote one of the darkest chapters in human history. Mr. Speaker, these 
attacks against Armenians continue even today. Just last month the 
Agency France Presse reported unprovoked Turkish military shelling of 
Armenian territory on April 23 and 24. I'm committed to the safety and 
independence of Armenia and believe we must ensure that its people are 
protected. Therefore I am deeply disappointed that the President waived 
this important and needed act.
  Despite a history of suffering at the hands of others, Armenians have 
remained a strong people, committed to families and united by an 
enduring faith. Armenians have risen from the ashes of the 1915-23 
genocide to form a new country from the remains of the Soviet Union, a 
new country which flourishes in the face of severe winters, ongoing 
military conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh, and the absence of strong 
international assistance. Today's Armenia is a living tribute to the 
indelible courage and perseverance of the Armenian people. Mr. Speaker, 
we in this body must do our part to protect Armenia. I support efforts 
to strengthen, enhance, and make permanent the Humanitarian Aid 
Corridor Act and to curtail aid to Turkey should that country refuse to 
abide by the standards established by the act.
  I urge the President to reconsider his position.

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