The CSTO is a Key Factor for Armenia's Security, Says Prime Minister

The Collective Security Treaty Organization plays a central role in ensuring Armenia's security. This was stated today by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan while hosting parliamentary representatives from the CSTO member countries in Yerevan.

“We attach great importance to cooperation within the framework of the CSTO in all three aspects: external political coordination, military and military-technical cooperation, and interaction in the field of security,” he noted.

According to Pashinyan, the modern world is changing rapidly, and so is the nature of threats. For this reason, he believes the organization must always adapt to these new threats and challenges.

In this context, the parliamentary component is also important for harmonizing and bringing closer the legislations of the member countries. This raises the level of joint work and, overall, the level of security.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the member countries have managed to reach an agreement on the appointment of the CSTO Secretary General. The parties reached the conclusion that appropriate amendments must be made to the relevant legislation to avoid various unpredictable situations.

It is worth recalling that the position of the CSTO Secretary General remained vacant since November 2, 2018, when, at the initiative of the Armenian side, Yuri Khachaturov was recalled from the position. Khachaturov was charged in connection with the March 1 case under Article 300.1 of the RA Criminal Code. The duties of the CSTO Secretary General were assumed by Khachaturov's deputy, Valery Semerikov. Yerevan insisted that until 2020, the CSTO Secretary General should remain a representative of Armenia.