State Department says no connection between Armenian-U.S. military exercises and aggravation on Armenian- Azerbaijani border

YEREVAN, September 12. /ARKA/.  US Department of State Spokesman Mathew Miller denied reports alleging that the U.S.-Armenian military exercise that kicked off on September 11 in Armenia were designed to somehow forestall a potential Azerbaijani attack against Armenia.

Speaking at a September 11 press briefing Mathew Miller said, ’ We routinely train and operate alongside our partners to maintain readiness, and we continually improve on the interoperability between our armed forces.’

He added that Armenia is a longstanding partner to the United States and has an enduring relationship since 2003 with the Kansas National Guard as part of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program. 

‘This is a routine exercise that is in no way tied to any other events,’ Miller said

Asked about Russia’s response to Armenian-U.S. military training Miller said,’ I think that given Russia has invaded two of its neighbors in recent years, it should refrain from lecturing countries in the region about security arrangements.’

Moscow, which leads the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that includes Armenia, summoned Armenia's ambassador last week to complain about "unfriendly steps" the country was taking. One of these steps is the American-Armenian exercises. The Russian ministry said Armenia's envoy was given a "tough" rebuke but stressed the countries "remain allies."

According to Armenia's defense ministry, the exercises aim to "increase the level of interoperability" with U.S. forces in international peacekeeping missions. The exercises involve around 85 U.S. soldiers who will train with 175 Armenian troops between 11 and 20 in the Zar and Armavir grounds. It said also the drills would help prepare Armenia's 12th Peacekeeping Brigade to meet NATO standards for an evaluation later this year. -0-