US GRANTS ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIAN RURAL AREAS
ITAR-TASS, Russia
Dec 13 2006
YEREVAN, December 12 (Itar-Tass) — The U.S. government has transferred
the first tranche of financial aid to Armenian rural areas within the
framework of the Challenges of the Millennium programme. The tranche
amounted to 882,000 U.S. dollars
Late in May, Armenia will receive another 507,000 U.S. dollars,
representatives of the U.S. same-named governmental corporation said
on Tuesday.
Armenia is one of 19 countries, which the U.S. government has chosen
for the programme that envisages non-repayable assignment of 236
million U.S. dollars within five years for the implementation of
projects of the republican authorities.
The Armenian government chose to develop rural territories and to
reduce poverty. Some 750,000 villagers will receive the assistance.
The programme envisages that 146 million U.S. dollars will be assigned
for restoring irrigation facilities, and 67 million U.S.
dollars – for reconstructing 943 kilometers of rural roads, head of
the programme management council Ara Ovsepian said.
In his words, the programme will be implemented under the public
control.
The U.S Temporary Charge d’Affaires in Armenia Anthony Godfrey believes
that the programme is an extraordinary chance for Armenia.
It will help to reduce poverty and increase incomes of rural residents.
The government of Armenia must do its best to continue democratic
reforms and provide for fair management in order to continue receiving
the funding, the diplomat said.
With this in mind, he pointed out the importance of free and fair
elections of the Armenian parliament in 2007 and presidential elections
in 2008.
The Challenges of the Millennium Corporation is optimistic regarding
the forthcoming in 2007 and 2008 elections, which will show progress
in the electoral process, a corporation representative said.