THOMAS ADAMS URGES ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION TO HEAL SOCIAL DIVISIONS

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 16, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. U.S. Assistance Coordinator for
Europe and Eurasia Thomas Adams visited Armenia May 14-17. Adams was
accompanied by his deputy, Daniel Rosenblum, who has been designated
to succeed him as Coordinator in the upcoming months.

The delegation has already held fruitful discussions with the
President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy, the Minister of
Agriculture, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

According to the report of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, Mr. Adams
addressed a wide range of important issues in his conversations with
his hosts from the Armenian government. He learned about the status
of democracy and human rights issues in Armenia, in light of the
post-election political difficulties. He urged Armenian authorities
to take prompt action to heal the social divisions that have arisen
as a result of the political conflict.

Adams also discussed with Armenian officials a number of other
important bilateral issues, including ongoing cooperation programs
in energy and agriculture, Armenia’s economy, measures to improve
Armenia’s attractiveness to foreign investment, and Armenia’s important
efforts to combat illegal trafficking in persons.

During his visit, Mr. Adams met with the Board of the American Chamber
of Commerce in Armenia, as well as key leaders and stakeholders of
the Millennium Challenge program in Armenia. The delegation also
visited a number of project sites implementing U.S. assistance
programs, including the Armenian-American Wellness Center, Arcolate
Chocolate Company, Arzni Medical Ambulatory in Kotayk Marz, and a
school in Nork, which was refurbished with the financial support of
the U.S. Government.