Pashinyan: Armenia will not resume participation in CSTO

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reaffirmed that Armenia will not restore its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), signaling a continued distancing from the military alliance.

Speaking during a televised pre-election debate on Armenian Public Television, Pashinyan said the government had no intention of reversing its current policy toward the bloc, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“We will make a decision and leave. If necessary, we will leave. I have said that we will not go back,” Pashinyan said in response to a question from a representative of an opposition party.

The prime minister's remarks reinforced earlier statements in which he said Armenia would not take any steps to revive its involvement in the organisation.

“The Republic of Armenia’s membership in the CSTO is frozen, and no steps will be taken to resume activities. And this is stated in our election platform,” Pashinyan declared.

By Sabina Mammadli