USAID Makes Connection Between Aid to Karabagh and US Foreign Policy Objectives

WASHINGTON, DC-Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues co-chair Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) asked US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Andrew Natsios for an update on the status of the funds for Nagorno Karabagh during a recent hearing of the House Subcommittee on Foreign Operations.

Knollenberg cited the FY2001 House report which directs USAID "without further delay" to release the "remainder of the $20 million in humanitarian assistance initially provided in the fiscal year 1998 Act." Knollenberg asked for an update on the funds allocated for Karabagh that have not yet been released.

Due to time constraints, Natsios indicated that he would submit an answer in writing. He added that he has a "personal interest in the Caucasus." Natsios said in his written testimony that "foreign assistance implements peace agreements" and outlined USAID's focus on "four pillars"-Global Development Alliance, Economic Growth and Agriculture, Global Health and Conflict Prevention and Developmental Relief-which "separately and together support achievement of US foreign assistance and foreign policy objectives."

The testimony also indicated that, "USAID will undertake a major new conflict prevention, management, and resolution initiative." It reviewed the need for USAID to strengthen current partnerships and create new ones with US and indigenous private and religious institutions dedicated to conflict prevention and resolution.

Prior to FY1998, the people of Karabagh had been the only population in the Caucasus to be entirely excluded from direct US humanitarian assistance programs. Given the clear need for humanitarian assistance, Congress finally began to provide assistance.

"The Armenian Assembly commends Congressman Knollenberg's efforts to ensure that US assistance programs for Nagorno Karabagh are being carried out in a proper and timely manner," said Government Relations Director Bryan Ardouny.

"With the creation of Conflict Prevention and Developmental Relief as one of its pillars, USAID under the Bush Administration should be willing to implement congressionally-mandated policies regarding funding for humanitarian needs in Nagorno Karabagh and confidence-building measures to resolve the Karabagh conflict," Ardouny added.

Natsios is a former Vice President of the international relief and development organization World Vision, former Assistant Administrator of USAID's Bureau of Food and Humanitarian Assistance, and former Director of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. He has published numerous articles on international humanitarian and development assistance and was recently appointed USAID Administrator.