“The CSTO is not the mechanism one can hope for”

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said that he does not have an answer to the question of why the republic continues to remain a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

In an interview with British media, Pashinyan noted that the CSTO did not use response mechanisms during violations of the borders of Armenia by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in 2021 and 2022, stating that the borders were not delimited.

He noted that the CSTO does not exist as a mechanism that member countries, Russia, Armenia and others, can hope for.

“And this is justified by the reaction of the CSTO and statements of some member countries. Our society tells us: why do you continue to remain a member of the CSTO? Frankly speaking, I do not have an answer to this question,” Pashinyan said.

He also stated that Russia plays a significant and serious role in the South Caucasus region. About it reported “Interfax”.

In an interview with British journalists, Pashinyan spoke about the concern that statements coming from Azerbaijan regarding reforms and modernization of the Armenian army are causing in Armenia, pays attention Armenian Service of Radio Liberty (Radio Azatutyun)

According to the prime minister, no country can challenge the right of another country to have a combat-ready army. “It must be stated that the presence of a combat-ready army, yes, is sometimes used for war, but the presence of a combat-ready army is also important for peace, for the formation of the correct balance of forces.”

“We are not preparing for war, we are preparing for peace, but on the other hand, until we have confidence that the Republic of Armenia will not be attacked, we naturally must develop our defense capabilities.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia is currently entering a demarcation process, which is extremely important, in particular from the point of view of reducing security risks.