YEREVAN. - United Stated Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide $27 million assistance to Armenia in 2011 aimed at reducing poverty, improving rule of law, providing better access to health care and social benefits, and strengthening private sector and infrastructure.

USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Roberta Mahoney arrived in Armenia on April 30 on a four-day working visit. She met with representatives of the Armenian government, private sector, partner organizations and the Diaspora.

The parties discussed U.S.-Armenia bilateral relations, USAID assistance programs in the areas of democracy, economic growth, health and social reform, and Armenia’s development challenges.

Ms. Mahoney visited several USAID-supported projects in Yerevan, including the nearly established Microsoft Innovation Center and the Women’s Support Center which provides services for victims of domestic violence and their families.