Armenia May Face Risk of Losing Full Protection from CSTO: Bordyuzha

As Armenia contemplates the legal suspension of its participation in the CSTO, the country may confront the risk of losing its voice in the organization and full protection from the CSTO. This was stated by the former Secretary General of the CSTO, Nikolai Bordyuzha, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“If Armenia, however, ceases its membership in the organization, it will no longer participate in the decision-making process and in CSTO activities aimed at strengthening collective security. This means that it will remain in a suspended mode, including in relation to the security system,” Bordyuzha noted.

He added that if such a scenario unfolds, the likelihood that the organization will somehow extend its security systems over Armenia will significantly decrease. He also expressed doubts that Armenia will be able to ensure itself with an alternative security system.

Bordyuzha also reminded that an official mechanism for suspending participation in the CSTO exists and has been applied before.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed dissatisfaction with the CSTO's operations, stating that instead of ensuring security, the organization is creating problems. He emphasized that if the current situation is maintained, Armenia may transition from the factual suspension of its participation in the CSTO to a legal suspension.