InternationalArmenia seeks international aid over Georgia crisis
Published: Thursday October 16, 2008
Washington - During his visit to Washington, Prime Minister Sarkisian noted that Armenia suffered roughly $670 million in damages, including delayed investments, as a result of the Russian-Georgian conflict, and suggested that foreign donors now aiding Georgia should keep the larger region in mind.
In addition to his meeting with Vice President Cheney, Mr. Sarkisian held meetings, to discuss this and other issues, with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) chief executive officer John Danilovich, Prime Minister Vladimir Gurgenidze of Georgia (who was also visiting the United States), and senior managers of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
More than 20 members of Congress sent a letter to the Bush Administration last month arguing that Armenia deserves additional U.S. support as an "innocent victim" of the Russian-Georgian war. Congress has since stipulated $365 million in extra U.S. aid to "Georgia and the region." As much as $200 million in additional funds for Georgia are expected out of MCC and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
While U.S. officials pledged to look into possible additional aid to Armenia, no specific plans have been made public so far.
