Let's Assume the CSTO is Bad, So Who is Good? - Serzh Sargsyan

Only investing money will not secure borders and make the country safe. This was stated by the third President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, in a conversation with journalists.

“It’s not just about arms, but also about politics and the assistance of allies and partners to ensure safety,” he added.

Sargsyan also touched upon relations with the CSTO. “The CSTO is our ally, and working with allies should be done with intellect, not just words. If you lack intellect—metaphorically speaking—you cannot achieve the results you expect. An ally is not there to fight in your place; an ally is there to support you when necessary and within the limits of possibilities. However, this cannot be one-sided. You must also assist them when necessary, whether it be through arms, voting in various places, attitudes, and so on,” noted Sargsyan.

A remark was made that the enemy has invaded Armenian territory, and the CSTO does not name things as they are. In response, the third president said that this is a complex conversation. “Now that's a complex conversation. I'm not dodging the question, nor do I aim to justify the CSTO or its decision-makers. But who has specifically said anything? Alright, let’s assume the CSTO is bad; so who is good? When an ally makes a suggestion, you say no, what is the ally supposed to do, come back and ask again? I never have the aim or desire to justify our allies; if you want, I can speak about larger issues, but the root cause of that must be clarified. Why was that ally fulfilling its obligations for 30 years? Because we knew how to work together, because we considered them a real ally, because in times of need, we didn’t shy away from anyone, and we voted in international forums in a way that was beneficial to us, not necessarily in a way that would please others, and so on,” concluded the third President of Armenia.