The United States will appoint a U.S. Army resident adviser to work in Armenia’s Defense Ministry as part of deepening ties between the two nations. This was confirmed by the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, during her visit to Armenia from July 13-16. Zeya confirmed the news in an interview with Hetq on Wednesday and welcomed the development.
Zeya called it a positive development, stating, “We welcome the deepening of defense and civilian security cooperation between the United States and Armenia. This is part of the spirit embodied in the historic upgrade of U.S.-Armenia relations to a strategic partnership.”
The U.S. Ambassador in Armenia, Kristina Kvien, revealed the impending appointment in April to Azatutyun. She stated the U.S. military adviser will “come and sit with Armenia’s Defense Ministry to help build capacity, particularly because Armenia is interested in expanding its participation in things like peacekeeping and other peaceful endeavors.”
Kvien said the U.S. is going to work with Armenia on reforming their Defense Ministry internally, to meet modern standards, and to enhance their role in the peacekeeping area.
When asked if Armenia’s membership in the CSTO is an obstacle to deepening U.S.-Armenia defense cooperation and whether a potential withdrawal from the Russian-led security bloc would boost it, Zeya responded, “Armenia’s CSTO membership is something only the Armenian Government can decide. 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.”
