Zakharova Comments on Pashinyan's Statements Regarding CSTO

The spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, has commented on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent statements regarding the CSTO in an interview.

Zakharova stated that Western media are attempting to elicit anti-Russian statements from the Armenian authorities through provocative questions, and according to her, their methods are effective. She reminded that they also face such attempts, but the Russian authorities always respond by preferring to resolve issues through bilateral channels, stating, “We do not give a reason for the germ of provocation to develop.”

Zakharova pointed out the benefits Armenia gains from being a member of the EAEU and discussed Russia's presence in Armenia's economy as its main investor. She also addressed the existence of Russian troops at Armenia’s borders.

Touching on Armenia's reservations regarding the CSTO, she said, “If the Armenian authorities had agreed to the deployment of CSTO observers, a number of issues could have been avoided. Instead, the Armenian government chose to invite the EU mission, which, under the guise of monitoring, is engaged in gathering information against Russia and Iran, solely for the interests of Brussels,” she stated.

She added that Russia is ready to host a tripartite meeting with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.