U.S.-backed cyber lab project for Armenian police on hold

PanARMENIAN.Net - The initiative to create a cyber laboratory within Armenia's police system, supported by the United States, is currently on hold due to recent developments related to U.S. foreign programs.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs detailed the cooperation directions outlined in the strategic partnership agreement between Armenia and the U.S., according to Armenpress.

On January 16, during a press conference, Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan stated that the Armenia-U.S. strategic partnership charter includes areas for developing cooperation with Armenia's Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to the ministry, a bilateral, effective, and targeted collaboration has been established between Armenia and the U.S., formalized on January 14, 2025, in Washington with the signing of the strategic partnership charter. This document encompasses several areas, including:

• Support for reforms and modernization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, particularly in organizing police education, implementing public safety programs, and investigating and holding accountable for violations.
• Combating transnational crime, including terrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, illegal drug circulation, money laundering, and cybercrime.
• The U.S.'s readiness to assist displaced persons and refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Regarding programs stemming from the strategic partnership, the ministry emphasized that the signed charter is a strategic document outlining general cooperation directions, not a specific action plan. Currently, no concrete programs or actions are planned.

Details on U.S. support for reforms and capacity development within the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be clarified after developing a corresponding action plan.

Minister Arpine Sargsyan had previously mentioned that U.S. partners had initially approved the initiative to build a cyber laboratory within the police system.