Please Leave the CSTO: Who Needs Armenia Without Karabakh? Tarasov

The interview with Russian political scientist Stanislav Tarasov is featured in Civic.am.

- Mr. Tarasov, yesterday, the official Yerevan responded to the CSTO statement at the level of the Secretary of the Security Council, expressing its concerns regarding this issue. The statement also mentions that there is a need for restraint in the formulations being made at the level of the CSTO Secretariat so as not to jeopardize constructive efforts aimed at resolving the situation. What observations do you have regarding these developments?

- You know, the problem has nothing to do with the CSTO. Conditions must be created for peaceful dialogue with Azerbaijan, and the provisions of the November 9 agreement must be implemented, as well as a peace agreement prepared. Only after that will it be possible to resolve border dispute issues. You have lost everything. You are digging up old wounds. You appeal to the CSTO, then to Paris, then back to Moscow, then to the UN. I repeat, you have lost everything; you can do nothing. Are you ready to lose again? You can do nothing yourself. Ask a Armenian living in Russia to lead your foreign ministry. You are selling tomatoes, not engaging in diplomacy.

- The fact that Azerbaijani troops have been on Armenian territory for two months means nothing? Do you agree with the CSTO Secretary-General that this is just an incident? And what happened to the CSTO’s obligations?

- You think Azerbaijani troops have entered Armenia. Azerbaijan thinks the opposite. These are disputed issues that need to be resolved. There is no evidence that Azerbaijan has exhibited armed aggression against the borders of Armenia. What CSTO, what relation does the CSTO have? You do not fight; do you want the Uzbeks to fight instead of you? Do you remember when you raised the question of appealing to the CSTO?

- How is there no evidence? Gunfire occurs almost daily along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border; we have casualties in that area, there have been cases of abductions.

- I’m saying, you think so. Azerbaijan thinks the opposite. These are disputed issues; clarity is needed. I repeat: there is no evidence that Azerbaijan has exhibited armed aggression against the borders of Armenia.

- Do you want to say that the CSTO has absolutely no obligations toward Armenia?

- Absolutely. It has no obligations whatsoever. You lack the will to solve the problems independently, and you should not place your responsibilities on others and create problems for the CSTO itself. The CSTO is now busy ensuring security in Central Asia. Look at how they are working there, as everything is correct and clear. Your diplomacy should start working instead of falling into fantasies and placing problems on the shoulders of others. You have signed an agreement with Baku; talk to Baku. You yourself decided to provide maps of mined areas in exchange for prisoners of war. In this case too, work directly with Baku. If you do not like certain positions of the CSTO, submit a statement to leave the CSTO.

- Yes, there are currently unofficial discussions in Armenia about this. Many are raising the question that Armenia should leave this organization, which is not fulfilling its obligations within the framework of the relevant agreements.

- Please leave. Who needs Armenia without Karabakh? Armenia without Karabakh is of no interest to anyone, including Russia. Haven't you understood this until now?