Armenia is Effectively Out of CSTO; The Rest is a Matter of Political Expediency - Alen Simonian

TRIPP is a civilian initiative and does not contain any military elements. The aim of this initiative is to find a logic that will reduce the long-standing hatred between the two nations and decrease the likelihood of conflict situations, said National Assembly President Alen Simonian during a press briefing with journalists.

“All borders will be open; we will trade with each other and have already done so, even during certain periods in Nagorno-Karabakh trade was conducted. We will continue to do so in the future and live peacefully together,” emphasized Simonian.

Commenting on visits, he noted, “I am ready to visit Azerbaijan at an appropriate time and invite my counterpart to Armenia in a specific format. I have not received an invitation yet, but if it happens, I will consider it.”

The National Assembly President also commented on relations with the CSTO. “Does leaving the CSTO imply anti-Russian sentiment? There are many organizations in the world, for example, the Union of Journalists or the Butchers' Union, and if membership in these does not fulfill obligations, it does not mean you are against anyone,” he stated.

In response to the question of why Armenia has not yet left the CSTO, Simonian mentioned, “In fact, we are already out; let's leave the remaining questions to our political expediency.”