May 16, 2008

U.S. Assistance Coordinator for Europe and Eurasia Thomas Adams visits Armenia

U.S. Assistance Coordinator for Europe and Eurasia Thomas Adams visited Armenia May 14-17, in his final visit to Armenia in that capacity. Adams was accompanied by his deputy, Daniel Rosenblum, who has been designated to succeed him as Coordinator in the upcoming months.

The delegation held fruitful discussions with the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Mr. Adams addressed a wide range of important issues in his conversations with his hosts from the Armenian government. He learned about the status of democracy and human rights issues in Armenia, in light of the post-election political difficulties. He urged Armenian authorities to take prompt action to heal the social divisions that have arisen as a result of the political conflict. Adams also discussed with Armenian officials a number of other important bilateral issues, including ongoing cooperation programs in energy and agriculture, Armenia's economy, measures to improve Armenia's attractiveness to foreign investment, and Armenia's important efforts to combat illegal trafficking in persons.

During his visit, Mr. Adams met with the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia, as well as key leaders and stakeholders of the Millennium Challenge program in Armenia. The delegation also visited a number of project sites implementing U.S. assistance programs, including the Armenian-American Wellness Center, Arcolad Chocolate Company, Arzni Medical Ambulatory in Kotayk Marz, and a school in Nork, which was refurbished with the financial support of the U.S. Government.