YEREVAN. – Information was disseminated, following PM Tigran Sargsyan’s US visit in December 2012, that the American Millennium Challenge Corporation will resume funding Armenia in 2013, 168 Zham daily reports.    

“This was linked to Armenia’s domestic political situation, rejecting pro-Russian [attitudes], and adopting European integration.     

“According to our information, however, the American side has rejected the Armenian government to resume the Millennium Challenge program. [And] the reasoning is quite brief: Armenia does not meet the program criteria.   

“Apparently, Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union has had a significant impact on US intentions.

“[But] the Government of Armenia Information and Public Relations Department informed that there is always a chance to be included in the [Millennium Challenge] program.

“‘There are criteria the majority of which Armenia meets today. When the Armenian government fully meets the set criteria, there will be an opportunity to resume negotiations for inclusion in the program,’ they noted from the government,” 168 Zham writes.