Request for $25 Million to Address Economic Consequences of COVID-19 in Armenia

The office of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has reached out to the Senate's Subcommittee on Foreign Operations to advocate for an increase in the aid provided by Washington to Armenia and Artsakh. As reported by Asbarez, this influential Subcommittee is preparing its version of the foreign aid bill for the fiscal year 2021.

In her address to the Subcommittee, ANCA’s Director of Government Affairs, Teresa Yerimyan, highlighted the crucial role the United States can play in addressing the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in Armenia.

“We urge Subcommittee members to encourage the Administration to include at least $25 million in the assistance package for Armenia, which would help the government tackle the long-term economic consequences caused by the coronavirus crisis,” stated Yerimyan, pointing to the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in Armenia.

Yerimyan also emphasized the importance of U.S. funding for the demining efforts in Artsakh by the organization Halo Trust. “The U.S. assistance program for Artsakh is a relatively small expenditure, yet it represents a significant investment by the United States in the peace process,” she noted.

Furthermore, ANCA has requested $90 million in aid for Armenia from the United States, expressing concern that Azerbaijan is receiving vastly larger amounts as military assistance. This refers to a $100 million aid package for Baku. According to Yerimyan, Washington must either cease military assistance to Baku or ensure that every dollar sent to Armenia is matched by equivalent support to Azerbaijan.