UNDP AND HAYASTAN FOUNDATION SIGN MEMORANDUM ON COOPERATION IN ARMENIA

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, October 25. /ARKA/. The UNDP and the All-Armenian "Hayastan
Foundation" signed a memorandum on implementation of programs on
poverty reduction in rural areas.

The UN permanent coordinator in Armenia Consuello Vidal reported
that poverty reduction in Armenia’s rural areas is in the center
of special attention of not only the UN structures, but also the
Armenian authorities.

"We intend to join our efforts both with the Hayastan Foundation and
representatives of the Diaspora and local governmental structures to
achieve a more tangible result," she said and added that the fundament
for implementation of the programs aimed developing rural areas was
laid at the third Armenia-Diaspora Forum.

In her turn, Executive Director of the Hayastan Foundation Naira
Melkumyan pointed out that by cooperating with the UNO, implementation
of new governmental programs, aimed at developing rural, and especially
border-line areas of Armenia, will be possible.

The Hayastan Foundation was established in 1992 by the decree of
the Armenian president. It has implemented programs for a total
of $160mln. Projects with the total budget for $160mln have been
implemented. Over 220 km of roads, 130 km of water canals, 36
schools, 3 power substations, 210 residential houses, and 14 medical
institutions have been constructed.

The UNDP within the frameworks of the activity in Armenia, has
elaborated plans for development of 20 border-line villages of
Armenia. Works on provision of financial support for these programs
are being implemented. The third Armenia-Diaspora Forum was held in
Yerevan on September 18-20.