Aghasandyan: Armenia has no other guarantors of stability except CSTO, Russia

Armenia has no other guarantors of stability except the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Russian Federation, said Mikael Agasandyan, Director of the First Department of CIS Countries at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Agasandyan, obligations to Armenia within the framework of the CSTO remain unchanged, and there are no alternative stability guarantors for the republic other than the CSTO and Russia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“As for Armenia’s participation in the common work of the CSTO, a tendency to withdraw from such interaction has currently prevailed in Yerevan. This position, as we see it, contradicts the interests of the Armenian people and significantly weakens national security. Ultimately, there are no alternatives to the CSTO and Russia as guarantors of the republic’s stability. Mutual obligations within the Organization remain unchanged,” Agasandyan said.

The diplomat added that the doors are open for Armenia to return to full cooperation within the CSTO.

“We hope that our Armenian partners, overcoming doubts, will once again demonstrate commitment to interested joint work — in the strategic interests of the friendly Armenian people,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia would exit the CSTO when the authorities deem it necessary. In February 2024, he said that Yerevan had suspended its participation in the CSTO. In March, Pashinyan clarified that Armenia would leave the organization if it did not address questions concerning the country’s sovereignty.