Armenian speaker challenges CSTO’s effectiveness, stresses need for dialogue with Russia

Armenia has no intention of revising its stance on the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), said Alen Simonyan, Speaker of the Armenian Parliament.

At a briefing, Simonyan emphasized that it is up to the CSTO itself to determine whether it continues to exist, and if so, to clarify its role and boundaries. His comments come amid growing scrutiny of the organization's effectiveness, particularly as Armenia navigates its strained relationship with some CSTO member states, including Russia, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

Simonyan, speaking in response to ongoing discussions surrounding the CSTO, stated: "What should we revise in terms of CSTO? It is the CSTO that should see if it exists or not. And if it exists, it should declare where this border passes, what it should do, and what it has not done." This statement underlines Armenia’s continued dissatisfaction with the CSTO’s handling of regional security concerns, especially in light of Armenia’s ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan.

The parliamentary speaker's remarks also reflect Armenia’s frustration with the CSTO’s lack of meaningful support in addressing security threats. Armenia has long expressed dissatisfaction with the organization’s ability to fulfill its commitments. However, despite these ongoing challenges, Simonyan emphasized that Armenia's position on the CSTO remains unchanged.

Simonyan also took the opportunity to address rumors regarding Armenia’s engagement with Russia, denying reports that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had instructed Armenian agencies to intensify cooperation with Russian partners. He stated that while Armenia seeks to defend its sovereignty and independence, it does not intend to sever ties with any country, including Russia.

In a separate statement, Simonyan further clarified Armenia’s relationship with Russia, noting that the country cannot indefinitely maintain tension in its ties with Moscow. Responding to the perception that Armenia was shifting its geopolitical orientation, Simonyan dismissed claims of a significant realignment, calling such discussions inconsistent with reality. He reaffirmed that Armenia continues to defend its sovereignty and will raise questions when it feels deceived or misled.

"Armenia cannot keep tension in relations all the time," Simonyan remarked, stressing that dialogue remains essential for resolving any differences. He highlighted that the issues raised by Yerevan with Russia are still relevant, but open communication is necessary for Armenia to receive the answers it seeks.

Last week, political consultations were held in Moscow between Armenian and Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Mnatsakan Safaryan and Mikhail Galuzin, followed by a phone call between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on March 24. The conversation focused on regional developments, bilateral relations, and the importance of continuing political dialogue.

Simonyan’s comments come in the wake of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s earlier remarks, where he called the CSTO a "security threat" to Armenia and said the point of no return had been reached in relations with the organization. These statements drew a sharp response from Russia, which maintains that the CSTO was created to protect the sovereignty of its member states, and any disruption in Armenia's CSTO membership would not contribute to the country's security.

By Vafa Guliyeva