Armenia’s Pashinyan welcomes possible CSTO expulsion

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he would welcome Armenia being expelled from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), while reaffirming that signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan remains a priority for Yerevan.

Speaking in Armenia’s National Assembly, Pashinyan said the government had no plans to intensify its engagement with the Russian-led security bloc, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“We do not plan to intensify our work within the CSTO. I know there are discussions about Armenia’s expulsion. I will be very pleased if that happens — it will free us from the dilemma of whether or not to leave,” he said.

Armenia froze its participation in the CSTO in 2024 amid deteriorating relations with the organization.

Pashinyan also reiterated Yerevan’s commitment to advancing the peace process with Azerbaijan.

“Work in this direction will continue. The delimitation of the border will continue. I am confident that exports from Armenia to Azerbaijan will begin soon,” he said.

Turning to Armenia’s domestic political agenda, Pashinyan made remarks concerning Ktrich Nersisyan.

“Your Holiness is immoral. The fact that Your Holiness has a mistress is immoral,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva