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US OFFICIAL THREATENS AID CUT IF ARMENIAN ELECTIONS FRAUDULENT
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)
The Messenger, Georgia
May 14 2007
President of the US Committee on NATO Bruce Jackson recently told
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that if the May 12 parliamentary
elections in Armenia were found to be undemocratic by international
observers, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which distributes
massive amounts of aid money to Armenia, would stop its financial
assistance, which is worth up to USD 230 million.
According to Jackson, the programme's continuation depends on passing
reforms to further promote democracy in Armenia, including in the
areas of fair governance, stimulation of economic freedom and the
fight against corruption.
Millennium Challenge funds should be spent for poverty reduction in
Armenian villages, road rehabilitation and infrastructure development.
According to some analysts, Europe and the US have an increased
interest in the South Caucasus, especially towards Russia's ally,
Armenia. Thus Armenia is becoming "an issue of confrontation" between
Russia and the West.
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)
The Messenger, Georgia
May 14 2007
President of the US Committee on NATO Bruce Jackson recently told
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that if the May 12 parliamentary
elections in Armenia were found to be undemocratic by international
observers, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which distributes
massive amounts of aid money to Armenia, would stop its financial
assistance, which is worth up to USD 230 million.
According to Jackson, the programme's continuation depends on passing
reforms to further promote democracy in Armenia, including in the
areas of fair governance, stimulation of economic freedom and the
fight against corruption.
Millennium Challenge funds should be spent for poverty reduction in
Armenian villages, road rehabilitation and infrastructure development.
According to some analysts, Europe and the US have an increased
interest in the South Caucasus, especially towards Russia's ally,
Armenia. Thus Armenia is becoming "an issue of confrontation" between
Russia and the West.