Armenia claims it may leave Russian-guided army collaboration

(MENAFN) Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicated that the country is likely to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russia-led military alliance. Yerevan suspended its participation in the CSTO a year ago, citing the organization’s failure to effectively support Armenia during its conflict with Azerbaijan, which ended with the forced return of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Founded in 1992 by Russia, Armenia, and other former Soviet states including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the CSTO has faced criticism from Moscow, which argued that Baku’s military action was not aggression against an alliance member since Armenia never officially recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as its territory. Russia also pointed to Armenia’s rejection of territorial compromise proposals offered by Moscow.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Pashinyan said that Armenia is more likely to leave the CSTO than to resume its participation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Armenia’s membership is a sovereign choice and emphasized the alliance’s benefits and effectiveness.

Under Pashinyan, Armenia has shifted toward a more pro-Western stance. The prime minister reiterated the country’s desire to join the European Union, acknowledging the process will be complex due to requirements and the need for unanimous approval from EU members.

Recent tensions in Armenia have escalated following the arrests of two senior clerics from the Armenian Apostolic Church and Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, accused of plotting to overthrow Pashinyan’s government after opposing his decision to cede border villages to Azerbaijan.

Peskov stated last month that Moscow is interested in maintaining law and order in Armenia and noted that the large Armenian diaspora in Russia has been closely following the situation with concern.

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