It is difficult to unequivocally assess the activities of US government programs, including USAID, as they have been pro-Armenian programs both in Armenia and Artsakh. But there have been a clear tendency to sponsor "favorites" under the name of "democracy" and to intervene in Armenia's internal life.
Nikol Pashinyan, who came to power with foreign money, left for the United States to make sure that the financial flows from the West would not stop.
EUROMEDIA24In a conversation with this opinion, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America in Washington expressed such an opinion
Aram HamparianSpeaking about the current US President's suspension of foreign financial support and the Armenian Prime Minister's visit to the Prime Minister of Armenia.
Nikol Pashinyan is on a working visit to the United States on February 3-7. Within the framework of the visit, the Prime Minister took part in the 5th annual religious Freedom Summit in Washington, his Atlantic Council Analytical Center met with representatives of the Armenian community of America. By the way, Pashinyan's visit was accompanied by protests organized by Armenians. But it is interesting that the Prime Minister did not receive a high level of high levels in the United States, nor by other American officials, if we did not count on several senators and congressmen. From here, a logical question arises as to why he left for the United States and what is the real purpose of his visit.
Aram Hamparian, head of the Armenian National Committee of Washington, believes that it is connected with the government's change in the United States and the suspension of foreign financial assistance programs by the new President.
Aram Hambaryan."Pashinyan came to power and remained over the huge wave of foreign money in power. The prospect that this funding may be stopped, I think he has caused serious concern in Yerevan, and it is very possible that he is here to make sure that these financial flows will continue. "
In this context, Aram Hamparian spoke about the temporary termination of US foreign trade and international scandal, noting that USAID's activities, including USAID's activities, cannot be given a positive or unequivocal negative assessment, as these last three decades. There were a number of pro-Armenian programs both in the Republic of Armenia and in Artsakh.
Aram Hambaryan."As Americans, Armenian descent, but in any case, we must criticize all the programs of the US government, or not to protect any program foolishly, but carefully whether it is aimed at. When we look at the US International Development Agency, we see a work done, especially on the humanitarian front. Let's not forget the demining program implemented in Artsakh. There have been humanitarian programs in the early days of Armenia's independence. So good things have been. "
As for the so-called USAID activities, Aram Hamparian stressed that in fact the agency's charter reports that it was established to promote US foreign policy interests.
Aram Hambaryan. "There have been a critical attitude, including programs that have been branded as" democracy programs "or" media programs ", have a very clear tendency to sponsor their preferred forces in Armenia's domestic life, sincere. Speaking to intervene in Armenia's democracy and even interfere in Armenia's relations with its neighbors. "
According to the American-Armenian figure, Armenia has many problems and does not need other countries to intervene and try to put on the scales, who should win and who lose.
Aram Hambaryan."These are the parties to the USAID issue, which should be considered critically, and there are other parties that should be positively assessed. So definitely can't give an estimate. The same is in the case of all our democracy. "
The Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America also did not forget that the US government has been on the wrong side of the Armenian Genocide for many years, but fortunately, recognizing the Armenian Genocide, has been on the wrong side of the Artsakh issue, providing weapons paid by their taxes. Azerbaijan, but not sending any dollars to the Armenians of Artsakh during the blockade. So a definite assessment is difficult to give. "I don't know at least one American who can only say good or only bad about USAID," our interlocutor emphasizes.
But what about all this will end and what fate awaits the American humanitarian aid agency in the center of the scandal, Aram Hamparian does not want to make any predictions.
It should be reminded that US President Donald Trump has signed an order with one of his first decisions on suspending US foreign financial support programs for 90 days. Later, Ilo Mask, who holds the head of the government's Efficiency Department, announced the decision of the United States International Development Agency on the decision to close the United States. The Musk's statement that USAID is a "criminal organization", a big international scandal caused a big international scandal. However, the legislation does not allow the president to close the agency without the approval of the Congress. Now the agency, which also has an office in Armenia, has gone under the management of the US State Department.
Author: Aram Sargsyan