In a televised interview on Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia has suspended its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), citing the organization’s failure to support Armenia, according to Reuters news agency.
Pashinyan also stated that Azerbaijan, with whom Armenia has fought two wars over the past three decades, is not adhering to the principles necessary for achieving a long-term peace treaty, hinting that Azerbaijan is preparing for another attack. Pashinyan told France 24 television that the Russia-dominated CSTO treaty has let down Armenia. Through a translator, he said, “The Collective Security Treaty has not fulfilled its objectives with regard to Armenia, especially in the years 2021 and 2022. We cannot let this pass without consequences.”
He added, “We have now effectively frozen our participation in this treaty. As for what comes next, we have to wait and see.”
He mentioned that there is no discussion about the timing of the closure of a Russian base in Armenia, which was subject to different treaties.
In recent months, Pashinyan has expressed dissatisfaction with Armenia’s long-standing relations with Russia, stating that Armenia can no longer rely on Russia to ensure its defense needs. He had previously indicated that the country’s membership in the organization is under review.
In 2020, Azerbaijan reclaimed vast areas of land in the second war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians but is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
Last year, the Azerbaijani military took control of the region, prompting most of its residents to flee to Armenia.
Pashinyan stated that the prospects for reaching a long-term peace treaty were damaged by statements from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, which Armenia interpreted as claiming large parts of Armenian territory.
Speaking to France 24, he said, “If Azerbaijan does not recognize the principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, then it is simply not possible.”
He continued, “Azerbaijan is exploiting the situation to fuel its rhetoric. This leads one to believe that Azerbaijan is preparing for a new attack on Armenia.”
