U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo says that the Armenian government must first make progress on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) eligibility scorecard before the MCC Board of Directors can consider awarding a $140 million Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) grant to for public schools in Armenia.

Pompeo made his views known in a letter this week to Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Raffi Hamparian.

The letter came in response to the  ANCA’s call upon the Secretary – in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) – to support the expedited consideration of the new grant to Armenia.

Pompeo, in his letter, voiced “enthusiasm” for Armenia’s peaceful, constitutional political transition, affirmed America’s friendship with the Armenian people, pledged to work with Armenia’s new government to advance shared interests.