PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2009
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
HOUSE-SENATE CONFEREES APPROVE AID LEVELS
$41 MILLION FOR ARMENIA AND $8 MILLION FOR KARABAKH
Washington, DC – Finalizing its work on six different appropriations
measures, the Conferees in the House and Senate approved a Consolidated
Appropriations Bill for 2010, which provides $41 million for Armenia and
$8 million for Nagorno Karabakh, reported the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly). The bill also maintained parity with respect to
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Armenia and Azerbaijan at $3 million
each. The Conferees did not delineate funding to either country
regarding International Military Education Training (IMET).
"The Assembly appreciates the continued support of its friends in the
House and Senate in helping secure a positive outcome," said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Given Turkey’s ongoing blockade of
Armenia, which is reinforced by Azerbaijan, U.S. assistance remains
critically important," added Ardouny.
The Conferees stated that they "expect the Department of State to
continue to emphasize the use of civil society in implementing programs
and activities in Armenia." The $41 million approved reflects a $7
million drop from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 level, but is $11 million
over the Administration’s request.
On assistance to Artsakh, the "conferees direct[ed] that up to
$8,000,000 be made available for programs and activities in
Nagorno-Karabakh." This matches the level of funding allocated by
Congress in FY 2009.
Earlier this year, in support of robust assistance to Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh, Board of Trustees Member Van Krikorian testified
before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs, outlining the Assembly’s priorities
with respect to funding and U.S. policy in the South Caucasus region.
See testimony here:
_Q1/Foreign_Ops_Testimo
ny_FY_2010_VAN.pdf
With the work of the Conferees completed, the full House is expected to
vote on the Consolidated Bill as early as this friday. Once voted on by
the House and Senate, the Bill will be sent to President Barack Obama
for his signature into law.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt membership organization.