Steve Cohen: “In 1992, war in the Caucasus led Congress to approve a ban on direct U.S. aid to the Government of Azerbaijan under what…”

“In 1992, war in the Caucasus led Congress to approve a ban on direct U.S. aid to the Government of Azerbaijan under what is known as ``section 907.'' Although section 907 was not intended to deny humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged population of Azerbaijan, it has done just that. Mr. President, I rise to support the effort today to clarify section 907, making humanitarian aid to nearly 1 million in Azerbaijan easier to deliver. This effort represents a true humanitarian action, while at the same time aiding the stabilization of the Caucasus, one of the hotspots of the former Soviet Union. Section 907 currently prevent non-governmental organizations [NGOs] receiving U.S. funding from dealing with the Government of Azerbaijan in carrying out humanitarian missions in the country. In formerly Soviet Azerbaijan, the Government controls a large portion of the economy, so this restriction makes it very difficult for aid organizations to efficiently deliver much-needed help to the 900,000 refugees from the war with Armenia.”