Yerevan /Mediamax/. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch expressed hope in an interview to Mediamax for “improvement of democratic governance in Armenia”.

“When we see tangible improvements in this area, we will actively engage with the Armenian government -- and our own Congress -- to look at what other funding mechanisms might be identified as we move forward”, U.S. diplomat stated, answering the question of Mediamax on possible impact of the recent decision of the Millennium Challenge Corporation's (MCC) board on Armenian-American relations.

“We share MCC’s regret that it cannot move ahead with fully funding rural road construction in Armenia; however, the irrigation refurbishment and farmer training elements of the MCA-Armenia Program continue uninterrupted. In addition, ongoing USAID programs in rural areas are increasing access to health and social services, and improving local economies by supporting small businesses and creating jobs.  Through participation in international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank, where the U.S. is the largest donor, the U.S. also provides significant support to Armenia's rural poor [rural poverty].

MCC’s decision was the result of the Armenian government’s inability over time to raise its performance against several important benchmarks.  We hope there will be improvements in democratic governance.  When we see tangible improvements in this area, we will actively engage with the Armenian government -- and our own Congress -- to look at what other funding mechanisms might be identified as we move forward.

We value the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Armenia and will continue to seek ways to strengthen our ties with the Armenian government and the Armenian people”, Marie Yovanovitch stated in an interview to Mediamax.