MARIE YOVANOVITCH REJECTS INFORMATION ON DECREASE OF ASSISTANCE FROM THE USA FOR ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
May 12, 2009

YEREVAN, MAY 12, ARMENPRESS: US Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch
responded today to news reports carried recently by several media
outlets regarding assistance from the United States for Armenia. The
ambassador particularly said that the Obama Administration’s request
for Armenia for FY 2010 ($30 million) is 25 percent above the last
Bush Administration budget request ($24 million was requested for FY
2009; Congress doubled this request to $48 million). The actual level
of assistance for Armenia for FY 2010 has not yet been determined by
the U.S. Congress.

"With respect to funding for Nagorno-Karabakh, there has never been
a budget request sent to Congress because there is no mechanism for
doing so in the budget process. Rather, the humanitarian assistance
provided to Nagorno-Karabakh is worked out afterwards, during the
budget negotiation between Congress and the Administration," the
ambassador explained.

Regarding military assistance, the Administration’s FMF request
for Armenia in FY 2010 is the same level as Armenia received in FY
2009. There has been no decrease. The specific increase for Azerbaijan
is linked to U.S. priorities in peacekeeping and maritime security,
particularly regarding proliferation and drug trafficking on the
Caspian Sea.

"The respective levels requested for Armenia and Azerbaijan are
carefully considered and calibrated to ensure that they do not
adversely affect the military balance in the region or undermine
efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
they do, however, provide appropriate assistance to each country that
will enhance their interoperability and military professionalism. The
United States remains committed to its longstanding partnership with
Armenia and the Armenian people. Helping the people of Armenia has
been, and continues to be, a high priority," Marie Yovanovitch said.