U.S. Congressmen: Armenia for holding free and fair parliamentary elections

PanARMENIAN.Net - Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, commended Armenia for holding free and fair parliamentary elections on May 12.



"This is the first positive assessment of an election in the former Soviet Republic since it gained independence in 1991," Pallone said. "This encouraging outcome will most certainly enhance and deepen U.S.-Armenia relations, while also elevating Armenia's reputation regionally and internationally."



Pallone noted that Armenia's achievements address concerns raised by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and urged the MCC to fully fund its five-year $235 million Compact with Armenia.



He also renewed his call for $75 million in economic assistance to Armenia in Fiscal Year 2008. "This assistance demonstrates our commitment to Armenia, which is a friend and a supporter of U.S. policies for peace and security in that part of the world," he said.



Frank Pallone also entered into the congressional record a letter he sent with Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) to President Robert Kocharian and Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan, marking Armenia's achievement, the Armenian Assembly of America reports.