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PALLONE AND KNOLLENBERG CALL FOR FREE AND FAIR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA
Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
March 6 2007
* "There may be negative consequences for U.S.-Armenia relations if
the results of the next election were similar to those previously
conducted," Pallone and Knollenberg wrote to Kocharian.
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues, sent letters today to both U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice and President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharian,
regarding the May Armenian Parliamentary elections.
The lawmakers asked Secretary Rice to provide the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues with a written status report regarding the
USAID-funded pre-election efforts as well as give a briefing to the
Caucus members within seven business days of the status report.
"We wholeheartedly concur with the Administration's stated goal
of ensuring a democratic, transparent and fair election process
for the Republic of Armenia and in general the South Caucasus," the
Congressmen said in their letter to Rice. "It is our understanding that
U.S. Administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have expressed
concerns about the level of emphasis and the pace of pre-election
preparations. Our intent in requesting a pre-election status report
is to help ensure that any existing problems are quickly addressed
and our shared goal for a successful outcome is achieved."
In their letter to President Kocharian, the Co-Chairs commended his
commitment that Armenia will conduct free and fair parliamentary
elections this May. They stressed that a positive election outcome
"will most certainly enhance and deepen U.S.-Armenia relations, while
also elevating Armenia's reputation regionally and internationally."
The lawmakers did, however, state their concern that U.S.
Administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have noted
that "needed improvements may not be achieved without a change in
pre-election pace and emphasis by relevant Armenian authorities."
"American and Armenian officials have periodically stated that
there may be negative consequences for U.S.-Armenia relations if
the results of the next election were similar to those previously
conducted," Pallone and Knollenberg wrote to Kocharian. "This may
include suspension of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
compact with your country. It is important to recognize that as overall
U.S. assistance to the states of the former Soviet Union declines,
the MCC compact represents a unique assistance program that augments
the inevitable and consequential decline to Armenian funds as well."
The Co-Chairs assured the President, "we intend to closely monitor
the USAID-funded election reform and preparation program, and we ask
that you bring to our attention any concerns that you may have with
this effort as soon as possible."
Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
March 6 2007
* "There may be negative consequences for U.S.-Armenia relations if
the results of the next election were similar to those previously
conducted," Pallone and Knollenberg wrote to Kocharian.
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues, sent letters today to both U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice and President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharian,
regarding the May Armenian Parliamentary elections.
The lawmakers asked Secretary Rice to provide the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues with a written status report regarding the
USAID-funded pre-election efforts as well as give a briefing to the
Caucus members within seven business days of the status report.
"We wholeheartedly concur with the Administration's stated goal
of ensuring a democratic, transparent and fair election process
for the Republic of Armenia and in general the South Caucasus," the
Congressmen said in their letter to Rice. "It is our understanding that
U.S. Administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have expressed
concerns about the level of emphasis and the pace of pre-election
preparations. Our intent in requesting a pre-election status report
is to help ensure that any existing problems are quickly addressed
and our shared goal for a successful outcome is achieved."
In their letter to President Kocharian, the Co-Chairs commended his
commitment that Armenia will conduct free and fair parliamentary
elections this May. They stressed that a positive election outcome
"will most certainly enhance and deepen U.S.-Armenia relations, while
also elevating Armenia's reputation regionally and internationally."
The lawmakers did, however, state their concern that U.S.
Administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have noted
that "needed improvements may not be achieved without a change in
pre-election pace and emphasis by relevant Armenian authorities."
"American and Armenian officials have periodically stated that
there may be negative consequences for U.S.-Armenia relations if
the results of the next election were similar to those previously
conducted," Pallone and Knollenberg wrote to Kocharian. "This may
include suspension of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
compact with your country. It is important to recognize that as overall
U.S. assistance to the states of the former Soviet Union declines,
the MCC compact represents a unique assistance program that augments
the inevitable and consequential decline to Armenian funds as well."
The Co-Chairs assured the President, "we intend to closely monitor
the USAID-funded election reform and preparation program, and we ask
that you bring to our attention any concerns that you may have with
this effort as soon as possible."