‘Time is running out for us to make a decision’ - Alen Simonyan

The President of the National Assembly, Alen Simonyan, stated during a briefing with journalists that the Armenian side has not taken any steps towards changing its political course. 

Simonyan noted that perhaps it is the Russian side that is seeking to change its political course. He emphasized that there is no indication of such a move.

In response to journalists’ inquiries about the dangers of escalating relations with Russia, especially in light of Russian State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin's ban on entering Armenia, Simonyan remarked that Armenia is under constant attack, the national security system displays evident problems, and the mood of anyone besides Armenia's security is not of interest.

“The obligations partner countries have should be fulfilled. Armenia is not ruining its relations with any country, but it wants them to be fair regarding its obligations related to borders, there are no emotions involved here. Following the September attack, we have 240 casualties, and we have foreign troops that have invaded our borders,” stated the National Assembly President.

Simonyan also addressed the CSTO, stating that Armenia is not withdrawing from the organization, but it is the CSTO that is withdrawing from Armenia. He indicated that if the CSTO is exiting Armenia, it should inform Armenia accordingly.

“From a verbal contractual standpoint, there is an agreement that Armenia’s security is within a unified security system. Armenia is still waiting for a response from the CSTO regarding Azerbaijan’s incursion into its sovereign territory, which should be at least political. If it turns out that the CSTO has decided to leave the region, we could find ourselves facing a situation. We are waiting for actions, and the situation shows that there is little time left for us to make a decision; the narrowest part of our territory is about 30 km,” concluded Alen Simonyan.