Tokayev on CSTO

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a meeting with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas, stated that the situation regarding disturbances in the republic has reaffirmed the importance of the CSTO. According to the Kazakh president's press service, Tokayev remarked, “The current situation has once again confirmed the value of the organization as a military-political entity. I believe that the entire international community is now discussing the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The effectiveness of the organization in this situation was very evident. It is extremely important for the secretariat to interact with the leadership of other international organizations.”

It is important to note that protests began in several cities of Kazakhstan on January 2, escalating into mass riots over the days, with attacks on state bodies. Thousands have been injured and there have been fatalities as a result of the disturbances. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that it was necessary to carry out anti-terrorist operations in the country and sought assistance from the CSTO. In response to the appeal, limited-duration CSTO collective peacekeeping forces were sent to Kazakhstan on January 7, which include 100 Armenian servicemen.