OSKANIAN AND RICE TO SIGN MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE COMPACT

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.03.2006 22:15 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On March 27, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian will address Armenian-American activists gathering in the
nation’s capital for a major three-day advocacy conference designed
to promote key community issues to Washington’s most influential
decision makers, reported the Armenian Assembly of America. Assembly
Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian said, “We are honored
that Foreign Minister Oskanian will address our National Conference
later this month. We also look forward to Armenia signing the $235
million Millennium Challenge Compact it was recently awarded by the
U.S. government. “Oskanian will join Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice at the signing of the five-year Compact which is expected to
benefit the lives of 75 percent of Armenia’s rural population. The
Conference opens on March 26 with a welcoming reception at the U.S.

Botanic Garden featuring special guest, NKR Deputy Foreign Minister
Masis Mailian. Assembly leaders will convene earlier that day for
their annual Trustees Meeting. The following day participants will
sharpen their advocacy skills during a series of workshops and panel
discussions, all leading up to a full day of meetings with elected
officials on March 28. In those meetings, activists will seek support
on such issues ranging from U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian
Genocide and ongoing and robust assistance to Armenia, as well as
fighting against attempts to isolate Armenia by supporting passage
of the South Caucasus Integration and Railroad Act. This unique event
will also honor Armenian-American veterans of the Armed Forces.

Additionally, Armenia Mission participants and Assembly Intern Alumni
will have reunion events on March 26 and 27 respectively.