Armenian National Committee of America Chairman Raffi Hamparian sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy urging that the U.S. Embassy expand vital assistance to fight the COVID-19 epidemic, working in cooperation with Armenia’s Ministry of Health and in support of other public health stakeholders, such as the American University of Armenia’s Center for Health Services Research and social service organizations like the Armenian Relief Society.

Thousands of ANCA supporters from across the U.S. advocated tirelessly for expanded U.S. assistance to Armenia for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.  The ANCA is working closely with key Congressional leaders to increase U.S. aid to Armenia and Artsakh, once again, as Congress begins drafting the FY2021 foreign aid measure, set to be unveiled in the coming months.

Below is the text of the ANCA letter.

Dear Ambassador Tracy:

On behalf of the Armenian National Committee of America, please accept our thanks – during this time of crisis – for the work that you, our team at U.S. Embassy-Yerevan, and all U.S. Foreign Service Officers, USAID officials, and others are undertaking to keep America and the world safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.

I write today to encourage you to ensure that needed U.S. foreign assistance resources are directed to help Armenia deal with this health emergency, in cooperation with Armenia’s Ministry of Health and in support of other public health stakeholders, such as the American University of Armenia’s Center for Health Services Research and social service organizations like the Armenian Relief Society. Funds appropriated by Congress can play a vital role at this crucial moment, as can U.S. technical assistance in public health reporting, data collection, and capacity building.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter, and for all you are doing to strengthen the enduring bonds that have long connected the American and Armenian peoples. We look forward to hearing from you on this urgent matter, and would welcome the opportunity to help share news of our Embassy’s work with our community, Congressional friends, and coalition partners.

Sincerely,

Raffi Haig Hamparian
Chair
ANCA National Headquarters

http://asbarez.com/193200/anca-urges-u-s-embassy-to-expand-coronavirus-assistance-to-armenia/