April 11, 2006 - 13:57 AMT
US Congressmen Kolbe and Garrett in Armenia as Part of Regional Visit
U.S. Congressman Jim Kolbe, Congressman Scott Garrett and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chief Executive Officer John J. Danilovich are visiting Armenia April 10-12 as part of regional travel, US Embassy Press Service told PanARMENIAN.Net. The focus of the visit is to review government, economic, and military issues in the South Caucasus. As part of their trip, Congressman Kolbe, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Congressman Garrett, member of the House Financial Services and Budget Committees and Ambassador Danilovich will visit MCC and other United States Government-funded assistance project sites throughout Armenia. In addition, the delegation will hold meetings with Armenian government officials including President Robert Kocharian, civil society leaders, Millennium Challenge Armenia representatives and political and business leaders. A number of issues will be discussed during the meetings, including the U.S. assistance to Armenia, the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact with Armenia, U.S.-Armenian bilateral relations, civil society development and the importance of free and fair elections in Armenia in 2007 and 2008. These issues are important for Armenia's continued eligibility for funding by the Millennium Challenge Corporation.