MCC CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: RESPONSIBILITY FOR STOPPING ROAD CONSTRUCTION FUNDING REMAINS WITH GOVERNMENT OF ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
June 11, 2009

YEREVAN, JUNE 11, NOYAN TAPAN. The U.S. Government’s Millennium
Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors, chaired by
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, today held its
quarterly meeting to discuss the progress of its poverty reduction
programs worldwide. As a result of the meeting, MCC will not resume
funding for any further road construction and rehabilitation. This
was mentioned in the MCC press release placed on the official website
of the Embassy of U.S. in Armenia.

According to the same source, the hold on funding is a result of
actions by the government of Armenia that are inconsistent with MCC
principles promoting democratic governance.

"MCC regrets that it cannot move forward with funding road construction
in Armenia. However, the responsibility for this outcome remains with
the government of Armenia, whose actions have been inconsistent with
the eligibility criteria that are at the heart of the MCC program,"
Acting MCC Chief Executive Officer Rodney Bent said.

He also mentioned that he does not not anticipate that the Board will
revisit this issue in the future.
From: Baghdasarian