Pashinyan’s press briefing: Vardanyan issue, CSTO stance, and Moscow mediation critique

On August 31, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tackled a range of important issues during a press conference.

One of the key topics he addressed was the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ruben Vardanyan, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Pashinyan questioned the circumstances surrounding Vardanyan's renunciation of Russian citizenship, his subsequent move to Armenia and Karabakh, and the assurances he received. 

“I believe that there are ambiguities in the issue of Ruben Vardanyan. How did he come to renounce Russian citizenship? Who facilitated his move to Armenia and Karabakh, and what guarantees and warnings were provided to him?” Pashinyan stated.

He also touched on Armenia’s position regarding the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), saying, “For now, the decision to suspend our participation in the CSTO is adequate, but it does not preclude the possibility of further actions in the future.”

During the press conference, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also called Moscow's mediation on unblocking communications with Azerbaijan impossible.

He criticized Moscow’s mediation role, explaining, “How can you imagine that, for example, in the issue of opening regional communications, a country that accuses Armenia of sabotaging this topic acts as a mediator? The institute that made such a statement puts itself outside of all possible mediations. Where have you seen a mediator making an accusation, and an unfounded one at that, and then we sit together and discuss this topic?”

Pashinyan also affirmed that Armenia will not withdraw its support for the November 2020 trilateral statement: “Armenia is not going to withdraw its signature under the November 2020 trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin.”