CSTO creates threats for Armenia’s existence and statehood, says PM Pashinyan

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia has frozen its membership to the CSTO because the bloc creates threats to the country’s existence, in addition to not having fulfilled its obligations.

“We have frozen our membership to the CSTO not only because the CSTO doesn’t ensure its security obligations towards Armenia, but also because in our opinion the CSTO creates threats for Armenia’s security and Armenia’s future existence, sovereignty and statehood. And we have frozen our membership to the CSTO,” Pashinyan said at the Global Armenian Summit when asked about the changes in the country’s security architecture.

He said that the more the CSTO doesn’t give answers to Armenia’s questions the more the country is distancing itself from the bloc.

Responding to opinions whether Armenia considers returning to the bloc, PM Pashinyan said the country’s membership will only be restored if it gets substantial answers to its questions.

“Two years have passed since we made these arguments and not only were there no answers, but it is obvious that there will be no answers at all. Even if it is not obvious, I can say that the more no answers are heard the more Armenia is distancing itself from the CSTO with every minute and second. And there is an expression, the point of no return, and if we haven’t crossed it then there is big likelihood that we will. And no one will have any legitimate occasion or reason to blame us for it,” Pashinyan said.