Armenia Does Not Approve: Details on the Adoption of Two Documents in the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly

The Armenian side did not grant approval for two of the three draft resolutions presented during the joint session of the permanent committees of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, held via videoconference today. This was reported by Sputnik Belarus.

The agenda included three issues: proposals regarding responsibility for actions that restore Nazism and distort historical truths, potential consequences of using depleted uranium munitions, and a draft resolution concerning the attempt to justify and encourage the SS 'Galicia' division in the Canadian Parliament. The last two resolutions were not approved by Armenian parliamentarians.

Representatives of the National Assembly of Armenia expressed their views regarding the draft resolution on the potential consequences of using depleted uranium munitions, stating that the document is incomplete, and some of its points do not align with the relevant UN General Assembly resolution from December 7, 2022. They emphasized, "One of the formulations is unclear, making all previous points meaningless. According to this revision, depleted uranium munitions can be used, albeit responsibly. Taking this into account, the Armenian National Assembly will not partake in the voting on this issue. We request that our position be noted in the minutes of the meeting."

The CSTO Parliamentary Assembly Secretariat noted that the principle of consensus would be maintained in this case. "Given that if one of the delegations abstains or does not participate in the vote, the document can be accepted in the minutes with a note of consensus," they emphasized.

The draft resolution discusses environmental, humanitarian, and technogenic consequences resulting from radioactive contamination of the environment due to the use of depleted uranium weapons. It is worth mentioning that such munitions were previously used only by NATO countries. Several NATO states have supplied depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine.

As for the second rejected document, it involved a draft declaration concerning the justification and encouragement of Nazism in the Canadian Parliament. The Armenian side raised objections as the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly draft included rather harsh assessments towards Canadian legislators. Armenian parliamentarians also noted that Canada is considered a friendly country to Yerevan.

The Armenian side would unequivocally be willing to join the draft if it were purely within the framework of the UN General Assembly's 78th session resolution, titled 'Combating the Glorification of Nazism and Neo-Nazism.' With this observation in mind, representatives from Armenia have sent a new draft to the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly. Following confirmation by the professional permanent committee, it will be submitted to the Council.