Colin L. Powell, US Secretary of State and Chairman of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors, invited the ambassadors of the 16 countries who were selected again to participate in the Millennium Challenge program to congratulate them. Armenia's Ambassador to the US, Arman Kirakosian attended a ceremony hosted by the US Department of State to mark the second round of selection.

The countries selected for eligibility in 2005 are basically the same as the 2004 candidates - Armenia, Benin, Bolivia, Georgia, Ghana, Honduras, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Senegal, Sri Lanka,Vanuatu - and one new entry, Morocco.

Speaking on the goals of this US initiative, Secretary Powell stated that out of 68 needy countries, the US selected the 16 "which have demonstrated through their policies and practices that they rule justly, invest in their people, and encourage economic freedom." The Secretary also added that selection simply means eligibility to receive funding and does not guarantee funding; each country must first develop and present its own proposal to promote growth and reduce poverty. Armenia's proposal for 2004 will be presented before the end of this year.

Also present at the State Department ceremony were the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer Paul V. Applegarth, senior officials of the US State Department and Administration, US Congress, NGO and private sector representatives.