Final 2023 Appropriations Bill Includes $60 Million in Aid to Armenia & $2 Million for Artsakh

Washington, D.C. - The Final Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill calls for $60 million in aid to Armenia and $2 million for demining in Artsakh, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). The final report language states that the "agreement includes not less than $60,000,000 for Armenia, including programs to support economic development, private sector productivity, energy independence, democracy, and the rule of law." The agreement provides $2,000,000 for "humanitarian demining and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance activities in areas affected" by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In addition, the Bill includes language on Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act states that US assistance "may not be provided to the Government of Azerbaijan until the President determines, and so reports to the Congress, that the Government of Azerbaijan is taking demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh." The final report also endorsed the U.S. House of Representatives' adopted language on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which states in part: "The Committee remains concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh and resulting challenges in the areas of housing, food security, water and sanitation, health care and other human needs." "Given the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh and Armenia, the Assembly welcomes the Committee's ongoing concern regarding the humanitarian needs of Artsakh," stated Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. "We especially appreciate the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Members' inclusion of $60 million in aid to Armenia and $2 million in demining assistance for Artsakh," Khaloyan continued. "We also thank the leadership of the Armenian Caucus for their continued efforts to help foster and expand U.S.-Armenia relations while advocating for much-needed assistance to Artsakh."

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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NR# 2022-64