US ENVOY COMMENTS ON DECISION TO CUT AID TO ARMENIA

Mediamax
June 16 2009
Armenia

Yerevan, 16 June: US ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch has
expressed hope in an interview to Mediamax for "improvement of
democratic governance in Armenia".

"When we see tangible improvements in this area, we will actively
engage with the Armenian government – and our own Congress – to look at
what other funding mechanisms might be identified as we move forward,"
the US diplomat stated, answering the question of Mediamax on the
possible impact of the recent decision of the Millennium Challenge
Corporation’s (MCC) board on Armenian-American relations.

"We share the MCC’s regret that it cannot move ahead with fully
funding rural road construction in Armenia; however, the irrigation
refurbishment and farmer training elements of the MCA-Armenia
Programme continue uninterrupted. In addition, ongoing USAID programs
in rural areas are increasing access to health and social services,
and improving local economies by supporting small businesses and
creating jobs. Through participation in international financial
institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund
and the Asian Development Bank, where the USA is the largest donor,
the USA also provides significant support to Armenia’s rural poor.

"The MCC’s decision was the result of the Armenian government’s
inability over time to raise its performance against several
important benchmarks. We hope there will be improvements in democratic
governance. When we see tangible improvements in this area, we will
actively engage with the Armenian government – and our own Congress –
to look at what other funding mechanisms might be identified as we
move forward.

"We value the bilateral relationship between the USA and Armenia and
will continue to seek ways to strengthen our ties with the Armenian
government and the Armenian people," Marie Yovanovitch stated in an
interview to Mediamax.