RA GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE FREEDOM HOUSE REMARKS SERIOUSLY
Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 8 2006
The Armenian Government should take the remarks of the Freedom House
advocacy organization seriously, representative of the Millennium
Challenge Corporation in Armenia Alex Rusin told the journalists. He
reminded that the means provided in the framework of the Millennium
Challenge Program are meant for poor countries and take as a basis
the indices of independent organizations like the Freedom House.
"Despite the fact that Armenia has been fit for the program ever
since 2004, it should keep the proper characteristics during the
whole course of the grant program, Mr. Rusin noted. Besides, the
indices are expected to improve. Every year the Directorate of the
Millennium Challenge Corporation, chaired by the Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, gives new evaluation to the fitness indices.
"Currently Armenia is fit for receiving financing in 2007. However,
some indices, particularly the political ones that tend to fall, are
worrisome," the representative of the Corporation noted. He noted
that conduct of free and fair elections in 2007 will considerably
improve the political indices. If the elections are held improperly,
it will have a negative impact on the indices, which will in its turn
result in the disqualification of the country.