|
Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, sent letters today to both U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharian, regarding the May Armenian Parliamentary elections.
The lawmakers asked Secretary Rice to provide the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues with a written status report regarding the USAID-funded pre-election efforts as well as give a briefing to the Caucus members within seven business days of the status report.
"We wholeheartedly concur with the Administration’s stated goal of ensuring a democratic, transparent and fair election process for the Republic of Armenia and in general the South Caucasus," the Congressmen said in their letter to Rice. "It is our understanding that U.S. Administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have expressed concerns about the level of emphasis and the pace of pre-election preparations. Our intent in requesting a pre-election status report is to help ensure that any existing problems are quickly addressed and our shared goal for a successful outcome is achieved."
In their letter to President Kocharian, the Co-Chairs commended his commitment that Armenia will conduct free and fair parliamentary elections this May. They stressed that a positive election outcome "will most certainly enhance and deepen U.S.-Armenia relations, while also elevating Armenia’s reputation regionally and internationally."
The lawmakers did, however, state their concern that U.S. Administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have noted that "needed improvements may not be achieved without a change in pre-election pace and emphasis by relevant Armenian authorities."
"American and Armenian officials have periodically stated that there may be negative consequences for U.S.-Armenia relations if the results of the next election were similar to those previously conducted," Pallone and Knollenberg wrote to Kocharian. "This may include suspension of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact with your country. It is important to recognize that as overall U.S. assistance to the states of the former Soviet Union declines, the MCC compact represents a unique assistance program that augments the inevitable and consequential decline to Armenian funds as well."
The Co-Chairs assured the President, "we intend to closely monitor the USAID-funded election reform and preparation program, and we ask that you bring to our attention any concerns that you may have with this effort as soon as possible." |
