Pashinyan Issues Warning Over CSTO Involvement as Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has raised the prospect of a formal suspension of Armenia's activities within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) if lingering concerns remain unaddressed. Pashinyan issued this warning during a question-and-answer session with the government in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The crux of the matter revolves around a crucial question posed to the CSTO regarding its area of responsibility within the Republic of Armenia. Pashinyan emphasized that the absence of clarity on this issue poses potential threats to Armenia's national security and territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the question was initially raised in 2021, following significant events in May, November of the same year, and after further incidents in September 2022. The CSTO's mission sent to assess the situation in Armenia faced challenges, with Pashinyan claiming that the organization's partners refused to provide an assessment.

Pashinyan clarified that the de facto freeze of Armenia's activities in the CSTO includes not having a permanent representative for a year and a prolonged absence from CSTO events at various levels.

In response to criticism from Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia has never aimed to involve the CSTO in military conflicts. He emphasized that the organization's significance lies in its dedication to political and diplomatic resolutions when a member country's territorial integrity is compromised.

Zakharova's statements, dismissing Armenia's concerns and emphasizing the country's continued membership in the CSTO, highlight the growing diplomatic tensions. The Russian official expressed regret over Armenia's reduced participation in CSTO events and urged calm, confidential dialogue to address concerns.