Russia Calls on Armenia to Discuss Situation in CSTO Instead of Public Attacks

Russia calls on Armenia to initiate discussions about the situation in the CSTO instead of public attacks and criticism. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“We are all interested in further improving the functioning of the CSTO and its effectiveness as a military-political union. Certainly, this would be aided by Armenia’s prompt return to normal and full operation within the organization. Unfortunately, our Armenian allies are still quite far from that. We urge our partners in Yerevan to start discussing the matured issues at a political and expert level, instead of public emotional attacks and criticism directed at the organization,” said the diplomat.

Moscow believes that the continuation of respectful dialogue with Armenia within the CSTO framework corresponds with Yerevan's interests in the security sector and serves to maintain peace and stability in the Eurasian space, including the South Caucasus region.

Armenian authorities have repeatedly accused the CSTO and Russia of failing to fulfill their obligations. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to participate in the CSTO summit held in Minsk on November 23. In May, the head of Armenia’s military department, Suren Papikyan, did not attend the CSTO meeting of defense ministers in Minsk. In September, Armenia did not send rescuers to the CSTO military exercises held in Belarus and deemed the holding of the CSTO peacekeeping forces'