The spokesperson for Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed that Armenia’s position on the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) remains unchanged. Speaking about the recent meeting in Moscow, the MFA spokesperson highlighted that Armenia continues to keep its participation in the organization’s activities frozen, reflecting the country’s dissatisfaction with the alliance.
This statement came following the participation of Armenia’s Ambassador in Russia in a meeting with CSTO member country ambassadors and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The MFA spokesperson reaffirmed that Armenia has not altered its decision to suspend participation in CSTO activities.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly voiced clear positions regarding the CSTO’s role and its commitment to Armenia’s security. He previously noted that the CSTO has failed to secure Armenia, leading to Armenia’s decision to freeze its participation in the organization. He further publicly announced that Armenia is considering a potential withdrawal from the CSTO if the organization does not adequately address Armenia’s security concerns. The CSTO has designated Armenia’s sovereign territory as within its responsibility zone, a stance deemed insufficient by Armenian authorities.
The CSTO’s position on Armenia’s concerns has sparked significant criticism within Armenia’s political circles, labeling it as a threat to the country’s sovereignty. On September 18, during the Global Armenian Summit, Pashinyan emphasized that relations between Armenia and the CSTO are nearing an irreversible point, which poses serious security risks for Armenia.
Armenia’s strong stance has raised concerns in Moscow, where the Kremlin spokesperson stated that the CSTO poses no threat to Armenia; instead, it is designed to protect the sovereignty of its member states.
The potential departure of Armenia from the CSTO is critical, considering the organization’s strategic regional significance. Should Armenia ultimately decide to withdraw from the CSTO, it could significantly impact the security landscape of the South Caucasus. Armenia faces complex strategic decisions, and answers remain uncertain.