Armenian expert does not see any link between stopping MCC funding and Russian credit

PanARMENIAN.Net - Human Rights issues have traditionally played a greater role for the U.S. democratic administrations, rather than for Republicans, who have been more interested in strategic partnerships, told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter Stepan Grigoryan, head of the Analytical Center of globalization and regional cooperation. According to him, for the George Bush administration Armenia was really a strategic partner, which could not be stated in regard to Barack Obama's administration. "I connect particularly with this situation the decision to suspend the financing of Armenia by the Millennium Challenge Corporation. However, I would not say that protection of human rights dominates so much in the politics of the West. Simple example of this is Azerbaijan, where situation of democracy is much worse than in Armenia. Today, the energy sphere is a priority for the Barack's administration, which has already resulted to disparity of military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan and seizing of MCC financing of Armenia. In my opinion, it is not a tragedy. Of course, although it will become an unpleasant surprise for the population, no more," Mr.Grigoryan said.



Armenian expert stressed at the same time, that does not see any link between suspension of MCC financing and provision of the Russian $500-million worth credit.



Millennium Challenges Corporation announced that would not resume funding for any further road construction and rehabilitation. That decision was made by the board of directors under chairmanship of the US State's Secretary Hillary Clinton. "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," U.S. Department of State reported.