AAA disappointed with Washington's decision to cut aid to Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Assembly of America considers incorrect the decision of the U.S. administration to cut financial assistance to Armenia for Fiscal Year 2010 (FY). Regional director of AAA in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh Arpi Vartanian stated this.



"We are disappointed with that decision of administration. AAA will cooperate with U.S. congressmen and senators in order to prevent misbalance in the South Caucasus," stressed the regional director of AAA, adding that U.S. administration must realize importunacy of balance in the region. According to her, ААА will draw administration's attention to the fact, that Turkey and Azerbaijan continue blockading Armenia. "We think that circumstance must be taken into account at the moment of making decision on financial assistance," emphasized Arpi Vartanian.



US administration in his Fiscal Year 2010 International Affairs budget requested cut aid to Armenia. The budget request also upsets the balance of military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.



In particular, the U.S. administration proposes to provide $30 million in Economic Assistance. Additionally, the budget did not include funding for Nagorno Karabakh, while in FY 2009 Congress approved $8 million.



Besides, the Administration's FY 2010 funding proposal for Foreign Military Financing calls for $3 million for Armenia and $4 million for Azerbaijan. The proposed budget also suggests $900,000 for Azerbaijan versus $450,000 for Armenia in International Military Education and Training assistance.