CSTO Issues Statement

The CSTO has announced that it has activated the organization’s mechanisms for the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

“In connection with the request presented by Armenia to the CSTO Collective Security Council, work is being carried out with the CSTO Joint Staff to activate the organization’s mechanisms,” the secretariat announced.

Details regarding which mechanisms are being referred to and what steps will follow these discussions have not been disclosed. The organization only notes that the use of force is considered unacceptable.

“To resolve disagreements, exclusively political-diplomatic methods and agreements should be used, as outlined in the statements signed between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia on November 9, January 11, and November 26,” the CSTO statement said.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense reiterated earlier statements that Azerbaijani forces opened intense fire on Armenian positions in the directions of Goris, Sotk, and Jermuk from artillery and large-caliber firearms since September 13, at 00:05.

In turn, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported a “large-scale provocation by the units of the Armed Forces of Armenia in the directions of the Dashkesan, Kelbajar, and Lachin sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border.”

Armenia has officially appealed to Russia, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the UN Security Council.