2024-04-01 16:54:57
On Monday, the Biden administration announced that the US state budget for 2025 envisages the support of democracy and peace in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the fight against the harmful effects of Russia and China in the Eurasian region, Turan’s Washington correspondent said.
The White House announced the US government’s budget of 7.3 trillion dollars for next year. That includes a $700 million increase for the State Department and USAID: a total of $58.8 billion.
“We demand 482 million dollars of support for Ukraine to protect its independence from Russian aggression. The funds will be directed to economic development of Ukraine and humanitarian aid to the country’s citizens,” said Deputy Secretary of State Rich Verma.
999 million dollars will be spent on preventing the influence of China and Russia in Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.
Basically, it is intended to support countries with an “unstable” environment, such as Moldova and Georgia, to ensure a democratic future in Belarus, and to increase the economic and democratic stability of Armenia.
204.2 million dollars are earmarked for military support to the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and Georgia.
As for the South Caucasus, Biden’s budget proposal envisages 52 million dollars for Armenia, the State Department told Turan’s reporter.
$45 million will be allocated to support democratic reforms, the rule of law, and the fight against disinformation and corruption. The funds will also support governance reforms and economic development at the local level, with the beneficiaries being displaced persons from Karabakh.
“Funding will also support efforts to promote the peace process with Azerbaijan and programs aimed at normalizing relations with Turkey in Armenia.
Georgia will receive 80 million dollars, Azerbaijan will receive 9 million dollars.
Unlike last year, this time Azerbaijan’s budget request does not include funding for anti-terrorism and demining programs.
Azerbaijan will receive $700,000 within the international military education and training program, which is $100,000 more than last year.
In addition, 2.5 million dollars have been earmarked for Azerbaijan under the USAID global health program.
Turan