Nikol Pashinyan criticized Russia, which a few months ago “openly called on the Armenian population to overthrow the government.”
Armenia has suspended its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), in which Russia plays a leading role. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this in an interview with France 24 TV channel, published the previous day.
“We have suspended our participation. Let’s see what happens next,” said Pashinyan.
He explained that CSTO member countries did not comply with the collective security agreement regarding Yerevan, especially in 2021-2022.
At the same time, he noted that the issue of closing the Russian military base in Armenia “is not yet on the agenda.” At the same time, the prime minister criticized Russia, which a few months ago “openly called on the Armenian population to overthrow the government.” According to Pashinyan, Russian propaganda against him is not abating.
Pashinyan also expressed concern about the detention in Armenia of Russian citizen Dmitry Setrakov, who left the mobilization, calling it “kidnapping.”
“We cannot tolerate illegal actions on our territory,” said Nikol Pashinyan and threatened “consequences” if “Yerevan’s demands remain unanswered.”
Yesterday, February 22, the Armenian publication Factor, citing a source, reported that Russian border guards will be removed from Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport. It is stated that this will happen in the near future. The publication’s unnamed interlocutor said it was a “political decision.” The deployment of Russian border guards in Zvartnok is regulated not by an intergovernmental agreement, but by a document signed by the National Security Service of Armenia and the FSB of Russia.
Let’s recall that in November 2023, Nikol Pashinyan refused to visit the CSTO meeting in Minsk. Then it was called a demarche by the formal leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.
Pashinyan also stated that Armenia is looking for other partners in the field of security, but the country has not yet decided to leave the CSTO.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.