PRESS RELEASE January 24, 2006

Ambassador Markarian, MCC CEO Danilovich Discuss Armenia Compact

On January 20, 2005, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian met with CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Ambassador John Danilovich and senior MCC officials to discuss the status of Armenia 's MCA compact. The MCC announced approval of Armenia 's 235-million-dollar Millennium Challenge Compact in December 2005.

Ambassador Danilovich noted with satisfaction the commitment of the Armenian authorities, expressed in letters from President Robert Kocharian and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, to sustain the democratic and economic reforms essential for good governance and economic growth. He also commended the Armenian Government for preparing a compact that is aimed at reducing poverty and stimulating economic development in Armenia 's rural regions. He said he had recommended to the MCC Board to proceed with signing the Armenia compact.

Ambassador Markarian and Ambassador Danilovich then discussed preparation of signing Armenia's MCA compact which is expected to take place in early March.