Chris Smith (NJ-04) yesterday introduced H.R. 4264, the Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2015, a landmark bill that will deny U.S. visas to senior members of the Azerbaijani government. AzVision.az reports citing the official website of the organization.
“We recognize that there are important national security and economic ties that exist between our two countries, but the United States can no longer remain blind to the appalling `human rights violations` that are taking place in Azerbaijan,” said Rep. Smith.
In addition to denying U.S. visas to senior leaders of the Government of Azerbaijan, those who derive significant financial benefit from business dealings with senior leadership, and members of the security or judicial branches, the Azerbaijan Democracy Act also expresses the sense of Congress that financial penalties should be considered.
Sanctions could be lifted when the Azerbaijani government shows substantial progress.
CSCE Chairman prepared "Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2015" landmark bill
17 December 2015
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The United States Helsinki Commission (The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)) Chairman Chris Smith prepared a landmark bill titled "Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2015",
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