Russian official: Armenia’s exit from CSTO would not improve national security

A senior Russian security official has said that Armenia's possible withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is unlikely to strengthen the country's security.

Speaking to TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Alexei Shevtsov, Deputy Secretary of Russia's Security Council, commented on recent remarks by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding the country's future membership in the Moscow-led security alliance.

"It is difficult for me to comment on the actions of the Armenian leadership. That is their own business," Shevtsov said when asked about Pashinyan's statement that Armenia would decide on leaving the organisation when it deemed necessary.

However, the Russian official argued that the CSTO remains an effective security mechanism in the region.

"The CSTO has proven its effectiveness and today serves as a guarantor of security in the Eurasian space. Therefore, it is unlikely that Armenia's withdrawal from this structure will enhance the republic's own security," Shevtsov said.

By Sabina Mammadli