(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) recently met with Armenian National Assembly Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan and voiced support for H.R. 3361, the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005. The House Armenian Caucus arranged the meeting to discuss US-Armenian relations.

The South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, sponsored by Congressmen Knollenberg (R-MI), Pallone (D-NJ) and Radanovich (R-CA), would prohibit U.S. funds from being used for the planning or construction of a Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan railroad link that does not pass through Armenia, purposely isolating it from vital east-west trade opportunities.

“Armenia's efforts to expand its economy have been stifled by ongoing blockades by neighboring Turkey and Azerbaijan,” said Langevin. “The goals of fostering integration and cooperation must not be undermined in this region. Transportation routes must remain open and integrated to support economic growth and help solve regional conflict.”

Since 1989, Azerbaijan has obstructed railways and pipelines to Armenia, which has blocked energy and raw materials imports to the landlocked nation. Additionally, Turkey has barred U.S. shipments of aid through its territory to Armenia since March 1993. These blockades harm not only Armenia, but the entire South Caucasus region, which could serve as an important trade corridor because of its proximity to bodies of water and mineral and energy sources.

The proposed new line is expected to approximately cost $400 - $800 million versus paying for upgrades to the existing line, which runs through Armenia.

“The passage of H.R. 3361 will hopefully work to end the blockade of Armenia,” said Langevin. “This planned rail route deliberately isolates Armenia, and in turn hampers ongoing efforts to negotiate peace settlements between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

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