The Armenian lobbyists also succeeded in the case of “regular economic aid.” It has been decided to provide Armenia “at least 75 million dollars” which exceeds the sum suggested by the administration by 13 millions. The first years of independence the USA provided Armenia 90 million. It had been possible to keep the scale of the aid at this level only due to the Congressmen. The White House tried to curtail the moneyed assistance to Yerevan all the time. In spite of the efforts made by the Armenian lobbyists and their partners the administration succeeded in cutting down the aid provided to Armenia to 75 millions in 2001. But G. Bush even this considered a lot. Last year the executive power suggested cutting down the aid provided to Armenia to 50 million, but the Congressmen could fight for the previous amount.
This time the administration suggested providing Armenia 62 million, Azerbaijan – 38 million and Georgia – 72 million.
This initiative has been already blocked while being under the consideration of Subcommittee on External Appropriations. The members of the Subcommittee decided that Armenia would be provided “at least 65 million dollars” as it was written in the passed budget project. On the next stage the Armenian lobbyists succeeded in returning to 75 millions. It is extremely important that the Congressmen decided to continue the direct provision of financial aid to Nagorno Karabakh. In spite of the will of American administration, Stepanakert will receive funds from the USA for realization of humanitarian projects in this time too. It is a question of 3 million dollars, but the important point is not about the amount but about the fact of the direct aid. Azerbaijan is indignant with this decision and it is going to be discussed during the Parliamentarian sittings. They also may adopt a resolution condemning the activities of the American Congressmen. In Baku they suppose that the provision of the direct aid to Karabakh is an indirect recognition of the autonomy of unrecognized republic.
Now there is almost no doubt that the project is to have a power of law. The consideration in Senate is coming soon. If no moot points arise between these two houses, the case will appear on G. Bush’s desk and he will be obliged to sign the document containing figures which he didn’t approve.
