Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
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PRESS RELEASE
February 13, 2008
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: kpanosyan@aaainc.org

BRAD SHERMAN OPPOSES ADMINISTRATION FUNDING LEVEL TO ARMENIA

Armenian Assembly Seeks Increased Funding

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America praised Brad Sherman
(D-CA) for raising strong concerns regarding the Administration’s
proposed budget for Armenia during the House Foreign Affairs Committee
hearing with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today.

In response to Sherman’s statement, Secretary Rice replied that
Armenia also receives funding through the Millennium Challenge Act
(MCA). In March of 2006, the United States and Armenia concluded a
5-year, $235.65 million compact under the MCA to help reduce rural
poverty and increase agricultural productivity in Armenia. This
funding is separate and distinct from the funding provided under the
Freedom Support Act.

Sherman told the Armenian Assembly that "the Administration’s budget
request is wholly inadequate. Assistance provided under the MCA is
not a substitute for other important programs in Armenia provided
under the Freedom Support Act. I will work with my colleagues to
correct this gross disparity."

Condoleezza Rice was on Capitol Hill testifying regarding the
Administration’s Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget. The
Administration’s budget slashed funding to Armenia by nearly 60
percent from $58.5 million in FY 2008 to a proposed level of $24
million in FY 2009. The budget request also called for more military
funding for Azerbaijan; a clear breach of the agreement reached with
Congress in 2001 regarding military parity for both countries. Under
the Administration’s budget request, Azerbaijan is slated to receive
$900,000 in International Military Education Training compared to
$300,000 for Armenia. 

"We commend Congressman Sherman for raising this concern directly with
the Secretary. The Armenian Assembly strongly opposes the allocation
level as proposed by the Administration and will fight to ensure
robust assistance for Armenia," stated Executive Director Bryan
Ardouny.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.  It is a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

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