February 18, 2004 - 19:25 AMT
FACT SHEET: US ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA $106.5 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003
The $106.5 million budgeted by all US Government agencies for assistance programs in Armenia in Fiscal Year 2003 was allocated roughly as follows: Democracy Programs $22.4 million, Economic & Social Reform $46.8 million, Security & Law Enforcement $18.4 million, Humanitarian Assistance $ 7.1 million, Cross Sectoral Initiatives $11.8 million. As reported by Armenian Assembly of America, the Security programs in Armenia such as the Export Control and Related Border Security Assistance Program (EXBS) aim to enhance Armenian capabilities to prevent weapons proliferation and other illicit trafficking by providing equipment and training to the Armenian Customs and Border Guards. The US as well contributed to nuclear reactor safety enhancement and a program for assessing and countering the threat of radiological dispersal devices. Foreign Military Financing and International Military Education and Training programs focus on professional military education, establishment of peacekeeping capabilities for the Armenian military, and modernization of military communications capabilities. These programs promote interoperability and regional stability.