Zahharova on Criticisms of CSTO from Yerevan

The criticisms of the CSTO made by certain political figures do not contribute to the search for mutually acceptable solutions. This statement was made today by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing.

“There is little benefit from this. The meaning is different. Today in Yerevan, Zas will present the results of the CSTO mission's observations to Pashinyan. Before that, the report was presented within the framework of the CSTO Permanent Council. The expert mission has familiarized itself with the situation on the ground,” said Zakharova.

The diplomat noted that Armenia's decision not to send personnel to the CSTO exercises is presumably based on current issues. According to her, this is the sovereign right of the republic. At the same time, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Moscow assesses its cooperation with Yerevan within the CSTO as effective, while the presidency in the organization coincides with a period of special threats.

“The summit will summarize the results of 20 years and outline the prospects for further cooperation,” Zakharova said.

It is worth recalling that Armenia refrained from participating in the CSTO military exercises in Kazakhstan due to the situation at the border with Azerbaijan. The CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas is currently in Yerevan, where he has already met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to present the preliminary results of the CSTO mission's work. The parties have thoroughly discussed the work of the CSTO and the prevailing situation in the region.