U.S. failed to spend over $25 million in aid Congress intended for Karabakh

August 24, 2010 - 10:50 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Successive U.S. Administrations - both Democratic and Republican - have, since Fiscal Year 1998, expended $25 million less in aid to Nagorno Karabakh than Congress intended, according to an Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) review showing that less than $36 million of the $61 million slated by Congress for this purpose has actually been expended.

"Armenian Americans are deeply appreciative to the U.S. Congress for its vision and generosity in initiating U.S. aid to Nagorno Karabakh, and for providing funding to help the people of Nagorno Karabakh emerge from the crisis created by Azerbaijan's aggression, meet pressing humanitarian needs, and, develop as a free society," said Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the ANCA. "It is precisely because of our respect for the role of Congress and the vital aims that are served by this aid that we are so troubled by the failure of successive administrations to honor the clear intent of Congress that this vital assistance program be properly funded and fully implemented."