Rep. Adam Schiff: Protocols offer promise for Armenia, fresh excuse for resolution opponents

Key member of Congress discusses Armenian, U.S. concerns

by Emil Sanamyan

Published: Thursday October 29, 2009

Rep. Adam Schiff (D.-Calif.) at the introduction of the Armenian Genocide resolution, H. Res. 106, January 30, 2007. Armenian Reporter

Related Articles

Key Armenian Caucus members comment on protocols, Genocide resolution

Congressional, Armenian-American reaction to protocols is mixed

Washington - Adam Schiff represents the congressional district with the largest number of Armenian­-­American voters, concentrated in northern suburbs of Los Angeles. In Congress since 2001, he is one of the key supporters of Armenian­-­American issues, including recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and U.S. support for Armenia and Karabakh. Mr. Schiff sits on the Appropriations, Intelligence, and Judiciary committees of the House of Representatives.

The interview that follows is based in large part on questions we solicited from Armenian Reporter readers online in the last several days. Washington Editor Emil Sanamyan put them to Rep. Schiff on October 28.

On protocols: hopes and skepticism

Armenian Reporter: The big issue right now is the protocols, the Armenia-Turkey process. What is your sense of this process? What are the arguments in favor and against these protocols?

Rep. Adam Schiff: The opening of the border between Turkey and Armenia would be an unmitigated positive. It would improve the economy in Armenia. It would allow for freer flow of energy in the Caucasus. Opening of the border is critically important.

In fact, over the years I introduced legislation in Congress [calling on] our government to push harder in order to end the blockade of Armenia.

I do have concerns about some of the provisions in the protocols. My primary concern is that we do not let Turkey to use the commission envisaged in the protocol for whitewashing the Genocide. That must not be allowed to happen.

Another concern is that Turkey has made very conflicting statements about whether they intend to open the border prior to the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. The two [issues] should not be connected, but I am skeptical of whether Turkey would follow through, if it means alienating Azerbaijan.

But if reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia can result in an open border, that is something that I would certainly favor.

AR: Have you raised the concerns you mentioned with the U.S. and Armenian governments and Armenian organizations? What have you heard about expectations for ratification and implementation of the Armenia-Turkey protocols?

Rep. Schiff: I certainly have discussed them with the Armenian government, the Armenian diaspora. I have joined my colleagues to write to the administration to raise our concerns about pressuring Armenia in connection with this agreement. Turkey already has a very substantial leverage in its relationship with Armenia and I don't want the United States to tip the scales further [in Turkey's favor].

At the same time, if we will see appropriate steps taken toward the opening of the border and an end to blockade, that would be enormously constructive.

Impact on the resolution

AR: What kind of impact have you seen the protocols have on the Armenian Genocide resolution that is in Congress right now?

Rep. Schiff: I haven't seen any impact yet. Although, I certainly suspect that as we take the resolution up in committee there will be some who will argue that we shouldn't advance recognition while Turkey and Armenia are in a process of reconciliation.

Frankly, a similar argument was made last year and we heard this argument before. There will always be a reason not to recognize the Genocide. But these will only be the latest in excuses.

AR: Has the fact that the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian National Committee have opposing views on the protocols made it difficult for you and other members of Congress to take a position on this issue?

Rep. Schiff: No, it hasn't caused difficulty for us here. And we certainly respect that organizations might view the agreement differently and welcome their insights and input into it.

AR: On the resolution, are you still focused on expanding the list of its co-sponsors? Do you expect any committee action in any foreseeable future?

Rep. Schiff: Right now we are in the process of getting together co-sponsors. And we have seen numbers go up dramatically since the resolution was introduced [last March]. And we will be working toward mark-up in the Foreign Affairs Committee, [although] I don't yet know when that would take place.

Karabakh issues

AR: Congress has in the past called on the administration to expand relations with the Nagorno-­Karabakh Republic, removing any restrictions currently restricting official contact. There has been little tangible change, however. What can Congress do to make progress on this?

Rep. Schiff: We have put language in the [House of Representatives'] State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill encouraging the use of the funding we have allocated. And we have also acted legislatively to encourage and push the administration to have more direct contact with Nagorno­-­Karabakh and make sure that we are investing in needed infrastructure programs in Karabakh.

AR: It's our understanding that Karabakh aid programs have not yet resumed since the end of Fiscal Year 2008, i.e., since October of last year, even though more funds have been allocated since then. As a member of Foreign Operations Subcommittee, are you following up on this issue? Do you happen to know reasons for the delay?

Rep. Schiff: We do try ride shotgun on it and make sure that the State Department indeed follows through on the commitments we have made, with the funding we provided. This [kind of delay] has been a recurring issue that we feel we need to stay after, and we will stay after it until the job gets done.

U.S. priorities

AR: From a U.S. perspective, what are the main concerns regarding Armenia, in your mind and from your perspective?