YEREVAN.- Suspension of funding in 2009 did not become an impassable obstacle to  further implementation of the Millennium Challenges program in Armenia, Millennium Challenge Account CEO Ara Hovsepyan told journalists on Monday.

Back in 2009 the Millennium Challenges Corporation decided to suspend funding of rural roads in Armenia explaining it by difficulties with democratic governance in the country.

Opposition members consider reduction in funding was a reminder of the human rights violations during the March 1, 2008 events in Yerevan.

“I do not want to talk about the political motives of the decision, although funds derived from the program accounted for only about 25% of the total budget. It was initially envisaged to allocate $235 million, but $177 funding was granted finally,” he said.  

Speaking about possible negotiations with the United States to approve a new program for Armenia, Hovsepyan said that the U.S. corporation takes decisions based on country’s indicators.  

“The Corporation publishes them every year, after a review on Armenia is presented, we will find out whether our country can make a claim for a new program,” he said.