Millennium Challenge Program implementation depends on election in Armenia

The U.S. policy in Armenia has three basic directions: establishment of stability and security of the region, consolidation of democracy and formation of civil institutions as well as the social-economic development of Armenia, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Anthony Godfrey said in Yerevan. “The Millennium Challenge Program will come into force from September 2007. The preparation has been already finished and we are hopeful that $236 million meant for the development of agriculture, including reconstruction of water-supply, will improve the social-economic state of rural residents. Here I should emphasize that the implementation of the program for most part depends on the parliamentary election to be held in Armenia in May 2007. If the election is recognized unfair the program may be stopped. However, I am an optimist and think that the election will be all right,” said Mr Godfrey. He also remarked that the Armenian media with their independence and impartiality should play a big role in the election process.