Millennium Challenges Corporation suspends funding projectJune 11, 2009 - 20:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Board addressed the future of Millennium Challenges Corporation engagement with Armenia. As a result of the meeting, MCC will not resume funding for any further road construction and rehabilitation. This hold on funding is a result of actions by the government of Armenia that are inconsistent with MCC principles promoting democratic governance. MCC's Board unanimously expressed regret that this action means that MCC will not be able to fully fund this project during the compact term. "MCC regrets that it cannot move forward with funding road construction in Armenia," Mr. Bent said. "The responsibility for this outcome remains with the government of Armenia, whose actions have been inconsistent with the eligibility criteria that are at the heart of the MCC program. It is particularly disappointing that MCC will not be able to partner with Armenia on completing the roads that will benefit Armenia's rural poor who are our friends and partners in creating growth for the future," continued Mr. Bent. "I do not anticipate that the Board will revisit this issue in the future.", U.S. Department of State. reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |