“The House Republican leadership has announced efforts to cut Fiscal Year 2011 spending, which may include a projected reduction in foreign aid programs of special interest to Armenian Americans,” reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“It is not clear yet exactly how this will impact aid to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and other Armenian American aid priorities, but many legislators have, in recent weeks, targeted international affairs spending for sharp cuts. Details on proposed foreign aid allocations to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh will likely be available later this week,” the source says.

The ANCA is asking legislators to support the following foreign aid priorities:

-- At least $50 million in economic aid to Armenia, in order to strengthen Armenia’s independence and help offset the devastating impact of dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades.

-- At least $10 million in military aid to Armenia, with the understanding that, based on a long-standing practice and in the interest of regional stability, Azerbaijan does not receive any more military aid than Armenia.

-- At least $10 million in development aid to Nagorno Karabakh.”