White House offers to twice reduce economic assistance to Armenia in
FY 2009

2008-02-08 13:34:00

ArmInfo. USA President George Bush introduced the country’s draft
budget for FY 2009 to US Congress, according to which it is envisaged
to twice reduce the economic assistance to Armenia to $24 mln.

As the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) told ArmInfo, the figure
represents $34.5 million less than what Congress approved last year,
and $11 million less than the Administration’s request in FY 2008. The
Armenian Assembly of America expressed its opposition to the
Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Budget, considering the
Administration-proposed funds insufficient for Armenia. Moreover, as in
years past, the Budget proposal calls for asymmetrical military
assistance to Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Administration’s spending
plan recommends $3 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to both
countries, but Azerbaijan is slated to receive $600,000 more than
Armenia ($300,000) in Military Education and Training (IMET)
assistance.

"Given Azerbaijan’s increased war rhetoric, I have strong concerns with
giving any military aid to Azerbaijan, and we definitely should not
give them more than we’re providing Armenia," stated Armenian Caucus
Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress