Armenian and U.S. officials discuss economic cooperation

AP Worldstream
May 18, 2004

Armenian and U.S. officials met Tuesday to discuss this ex-Soviet
republic’s proposals to receive funding from a U.S. foreign aid
program.

Armenian officials said they have been working on project proposals
for the Millennium Challenge program for the past three months that
focus on reducing poverty. Millennium Challenge is a program launched
by U.S. President George W. Bush as part of an effort to increase
spending on foreign aid.

Carlos Pascual, the U.S. State Department coordinator for assistance
to Europe and Eurasia, said the U.S. funds _ if approved _ would be
directed at developing a free economy, productive investments and
the fight against corruption.

“The US expects sustainable progress in the development of political
and democratic systems in the countries participating in the program,”
Pascual said. It was not clear when a decision would be made about
Armenia’s proposals, but a Millennium Challenge team is expected in
Armenia soon, officials said.

The United States has already allotted US$94 million to Armenia this
year, Pascual said. The bulk of the money is focused on economic
development and job creation, he said.

Pascual’s meetings in Armenia were part of the 8th session of the
Armenian-American Economic Working Group. Participating from the
Armenian side was Vardan Khachatrian, the finance and economic
minister.