Armenia`s CSTO membership is something only Armenian government can  decide  - U.S. Under-Secretary of State 

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."