Comments on Protests Demanding Armenia's Withdrawal from CSTO by the State Duma

Protests in Yerevan demanding Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO were likely organized by non-profit organizations affiliated with the United States, linked to the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This opinion was expressed on Sunday by Viktor Vodolatskin, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma's Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots.

“There are certain forces in Armenia that are funded by U.S. NGOs, and unfortunately, they are numerous... Naturally, the arrival of Pelosi was anticipated by those forces who are now out demonstrating,” the deputy stated in an interview with a TASS correspondent.

Vodolatskin noted that a significant number of compatriots live in Armenia, and the situation in the country “is not in favor of the Anglo-Saxons and Pelosi.” Nonetheless, the parliament member called for all CIS structures to work more actively with their Armenian counterparts.

“There are provocations, but they will yield no results, considering that the U.S. embassy and public organizations are actively working there. All of us— the CSTO, SCO, and foremost CIS structures, starting from our committee to all Eurasian commissions— should work more closely and actively with our partners in Armenia and make good, kind proposals to break the situation that is forming there today,” Vodolatskin said.

On Saturday, Nancy Pelosi arrived in Armenia, where she will stay until September 19. According to the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, during her visit, she will meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other senior officials to discuss Armenian-American relations and the current security situation.

It is worth noting that today, several hundred activists organized a rally in the center of Yerevan, at Freedom Square, demanding Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO.