US Congressman Joe Courtney: I will continue to monitor the situation around Armenia’s arms shipment to Iran closely

US Congressman Joe Courtney (Democrat, representing the state of Connecticut) shares the Azerbaijani Diaspora’s concerns regarding Armenia’s arms sales.

At the beginning of this year, the Azerbaijani Diaspora addressed the Congress members to ask the US Administration how it can ensure that the US taxpayers’ money are not directed to aid governments, especially Armenia, which facilitate the purchase and delivery of arms to Iran, leading to killing of the US troops.

The Diaspora also urged the Secretary of State to take into consideration the widely reported Armenia’s arms transfer to Iran, which found their way to Iraqi insurgents and used against the US troops serving in Iraq.

"I share your concerns, and will continue to monitor this situation closely", Congressman Courtney says in his response to the Azeri Diaspora, on May 25.

"The recent Wikileaks release of diplomatic cables revealed continued disputes between the United States and the government of Armenia over alleged arms shipments to Iran. In 2003, the government of Armenia purchased anti tank rockets and machine guns from Bulgaria, giving personal written guarantees that the weapons would stay in Armenia. However, according to leaked cables, weapons with serial numbers matching those sold to Armenia by Bulgaria were confiscated from Iraqi rebels and were found with Iranian produced weapons. In 2008, American troops allegedly recovered two Bulgarian anti tank rockets used to attack American troops", says the letter.


/APA/