By USDR
At the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs Hearing Wednesday, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA-49) raised questions about Armenia’s banking relationship with Iran. In the Hearing, entitled, State Sponsor of Terror: The Global Threat of Iran, the Congressman stated in part, “…Armenia’s banking relationship with Iran, authorized, pushed prodded and cajoled by Russia is new and concerning…”
Members of the Turkish Institute for Progress attended the Hearing and are suggesting that by participating in a formal dialogue and exploring more partnership with Turkey, Armenia can reclaim its national sovereignty, be truly independent from Tehran and Moscow, and prevent alienating itself from the west by allowing Iran and Russia to, Congressman Issa asserts, circumvent US sanctions.
At the Hearing Mr. Issa stated, “Today’s hearing is important, but it is not new. We will say a great many things, but very few of them will be new. Certainly, questions about Armenia’s banking relationship with Iran, authorized, pushed prodded and cajoled by Russia is new and concerning.” He further stated, “I look forward to questions, particularly questions about Russia’s involvement through Armenia in the backdoor circumvention of the sanctions that are in place today.”
“Congressman Issa touched on some deeply troubling revelations, however, we believe that a stronger Turkish-Armenian bilateral relationship is a viable option to stabilize the balance of power in the region, and we hope Armenia will join us in exploring ways to avoid a foreign policy shift Mr. Issa suggests,” stated Derya Berk, President of the Turkish Institute for Progress. “We welcome an opportunity to work together with the Armenian community to explore ways to work in the spirit of cooperation and for the greater good of Turks and Armenians across the globe.”
SOURCE Turkish Institute for Progress
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