Armenia's CSTO ties no obstacle for deeper U.S. defense ties - official

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has said that Armenia's membership in CSTO is not an obstacle to deepening defense and civilian security cooperation between Yerevan and Washington.

“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,” the diplomat said in an interview with Hetq.

When asked about Armenia’s membership in CSTO and whether it could hamper the deepening of U.S.-Armenia partnership, Zeya said Armenia’s CSTO membership is something only the country’s 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,” she said.

“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.”