U.S. House committee approves Karabakh assistanceJuly 25, 2013 - 14:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The House Appropriation Committee on Wednesday, July 24, approved assistance to Nagorno Karabakh within the Fiscal Year 2014 Foreign Aid Bill, which, however, does not cite a specific level of aid to Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America. “Within the funds provided under this heading, the Secretary of State should provide assistance for victims of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict at levels consistent with prior years, and for ongoing needs related to the conflict,” reads the committee report attached to the bill that will move through the House. ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian welcomed the decision, stating: “We are gratified that Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Lowey have, at the urging of Congressman Schiff, agreed to a manager’s amendment to the full House Appropriations Committee’s version of the FY14 foreign aid bill restoring language that, amid sharp cuts to overall spending, prioritizes keeping aid levels for Nagorno Karabakh consistent with prior years.” “The priority the Committee attaches to America’s vital aid program for Nagorno Karabakh, the only Caucasus aid program specifically mentioned in the House report, is particularly meaningful given that this year’s foreign aid bill is marked by deep, across-the-board cuts, the removal of many country-specific aid level citations, and even the complete elimination of a number of assistance programs,” said Hamparian. “At the same time, we remain troubled that the version of the foreign aid bill moving through the House, for the first time since Armenia’s independence, does not cite a specific aid level for Armenia.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Prosecutors to appeal Armenia ex-President’s acquittal Sargsyan was acquitted on Friday, May 31 more than four years after going on trial on corruption charges. Armenia: 28 protesters arrested after clash with police The Investigative Committee of Armenia has announced the arrest of 28 participants of an opposition demonstration. |