Washington Plans to Support Yerevan in Improving Security Sector Governance: U.S. Embassy in Armenia

The United States is set to assist Yerevan in improving governance in the security sector with the appointment of a representative from the U.S. Army at the Armenian Ministry of Defense, which will, in turn, strengthen Armenian-American relations.

In response to an inquiry from Armenpress, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia clarified that the selection of a civilian advisor has been completed, and he will start working later this year.

The U.S. Department of State’s Global Defense Reform Program provides support worldwide to partner countries in establishing more resilient, effective, and accountable security institutions by offering strategic-level advisory assistance,” noted the embassy, referencing recent comments by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Ezra Zeya about an American military representative working at the Armenian Ministry of Defense.

On the question of what functions will be assigned to the U.S. Army representative at the Armenian Ministry of Defense, the embassy stated, “The civilian advisor is not funded by the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense. Funding is provided by the State Department, and the advisor will support the strengthening of Armenia’s defense institutions. The advisor will work in Armenia, having regular working interactions with the Embassy and the Ministry of Defense.”

The embassy also added that through advisory support, the United States intends to assist Armenia in improving security sector governance, which will, in turn, contribute to the strengthening of Armenian-American relations. “The selection of the civilian advisor has been made, and he will start working later this year,” concluded the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.