Armenia's CSTO Membership Decision to be Sovereign Choice, Says Secretary General

In a recent interview with Izvestia, Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov stated that Armenia's decision to leave or remain in the organization will be a sovereign choice. This comes amid questions raised by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about the country's membership in the CSTO.

Pashinyan has expressed concerns about the lack of response from the CSTO to Azerbaijan's border violations against Armenia in 2021 and 2022. He stated, "The CSTO does not exist as a mechanism that member states can rely on." Pashinyan questioned why Armenia continues to be a member of the organization given this situation.

The Armenian Prime Minister also discussed the country's relationship with the West, noting that it has grown closer since the 2018 'velvet revolution'. He said Armenia is ready to be as close with the European Union as the EU sees possible. Regarding military support, Pashinyan acknowledged the imbalance between Armenia and Azerbaijan's military budgets but emphasized that Armenia's acquisitions are of a defensive nature. He invited Azerbaijan to introduce a bilateral arms control mechanism.

Pashinyan clarified that Armenia's neighboring countries are Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, and that Armenia does not share a direct border with Russia, though Russia is a significant player in the South Caucasus region. He expressed concern about statements from Azerbaijan regarding reforms and modernization of the Armenian army, stressing that no state can deny another country's right to have a combat-ready army.

Why this matters: Armenia's potential decision to leave the CSTO has significant implications for regional security dynamics and the balance of power in the South Caucasus. It reflects the complex geopolitical challenges Armenia faces in navigating its relationships with neighboring countries and international organizations.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have recently made progress in demarcating their shared border, with teams from both countries installing the first border marker. The border delimitation process has strategic importance for landlocked Armenia, as it could involve the transfer of some sections of a vital highway to Georgia. Pashinyan explained that Armenia is now entering the process of demarcation, which he sees as extremely important in terms of reducing security risks.

Key Takeaways

• CSTO Secretary General says Armenia's CSTO membership is a sovereign choice.
• Pashinyan questions Armenia's CSTO membership due to lack of response to Azerbaijan's border violations.
• Armenia seeks closer ties with the EU, but maintains defensive military acquisitions.
• Armenia and Azerbaijan make progress in demarcating their shared border, reducing security risks.
• Armenia's potential CSTO exit has significant implications for regional security dynamics in the South Caucasus.