SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES $58 MILLION FOR ARMENIA IN FY 2007
ArmRadio.am
30.06.2006 10:21
The full Senate Appropriations Committee voted to cut economic
assistance to the Republic of Armenia in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007
Foreign Operations bill. While the aid level is equal to the overall
budget request of $58 million, the Freedom Support Act (FSA) account
was sharply decreased to $34.2 million, more than half of last years
enacted level of $75 million.
"Given that Armenia remains blockaded on its east and west, continued
robust funding is vitally important," said Executive Director of
the Armenian National Committee of America Bryan Ardouny. "The
Assembly is therefore concerned about this overall decrease and
looks forward to working with the Senate and House to provide the
necessary resources for Armenia’s security, prosperity and democratic
growth." In a positive development, initial reports indicate that
the Senate Appropriations Committee reinstated military aid parity
between Armenia and Azerbaijan for FY 2007. The legislation, which
allocates $4.29 million in military financing to both countries,
signals that Azerbaijan’s continued war rhetoric is not welcome and
is in fact counterproductive.