ArmInfo. Armenia's CSTO membership is something only the Armenian government can decide, U.S.
Under-Secretary of State Uzra Zeya told Hetq.am.
We respect this. I would note that our defense and civilian security
cooperation has continued to deepen, while Armenia has remained a
member of CSTO. But I want to make a third and final point. The
United States sees nothing to indicate that Russia's military
presence contributes to a more peaceful and stable South Caucasus
region.
As to whether second joint military exercise indicate a strengthening
defense partnership between the two countries and whether closer
collaboration aimed at enhancing defense capabilities with Armenia
can be expected, Ms Zeya said:
"Well, with respect to the Eagle Partner military exercise, I would
stress this is a pre-planned exercise. It's focused on routine
training and increasing readiness and interoperability and
peacekeeping operations. This is an effort that is led on the U.S.
side by our Department of Defense. As a State Department
representative, I will leave further details with my Department of
Defense colleagues.
But I will say that we are seeing a deepening of longstanding
positive defense and civilian security cooperation between the United
States and Armenia. You see that cooperation such as the Department
of State, the Defense Department's partnership program between
Armenia and the Kansas National Guard, has been a positive
initiative.
But on the State Department side, I am proud to lead our Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, which is a key partner
for the government of Armenia and the Armenian people in supporting,
strengthening the capacity of Armenian police, with respect to
respecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, fighting
corruption, increasing transparency. And one of the many positive
outcomes of this cooperation has been the introduction and the
development of the Patrol Police Service, where earlier today, I was
honored to visit the new headquarters for the patrol Police service
with the Minister of Interior, a national dispatch center, and
housing for the patrol police regiment, which is an outcome of
considerable Armenian government and U.S. government investment in
improving human centered rights, respecting policing that that
increases public trust and ties between law enforcement and the
communities they serve. This, I think, is an important example of how
democratic reforms, increasing respect for human rights, can also
increase security for all."
Concerning U.S.-Armenia military, defense cooperation and the reports
that there will be a U.S. Army resident adviser in attached to
Armenia's Ministry of Defense, Ms Zeya said:
"I can confirm this. It's a welcome development that I would
encourage you to follow up with our ambassador and press team. We
welcome deepening defense and civilian security cooperation between
the U.S. and Armenia. This is part of the spirit embodied in the
historic upgrade in U.S. Armenia relations to a strategic
partnership."
As to the goals of her 4-day visit to Armenia, Ms Zeya said:
"Well, first and in conclusion, I thank you and I commend the
important investigative reporting work done by Hetq and other media
outlets in Armenia. We believe that a free and independent media
plays a critical role in the anti-corruption fight. In my meetings,
throughout this four-day visit, we had fruitful and detailed
exchanges on our concerns, with respect to the anti-corruption fight.
What I heard was a strong resolve from our Armenian government
counterparts to carry the fight forward, to continue to improve and
to institutionalize anti-corruption efforts throughout the
government."
