We Do Not See a Path for Return: Sarkis Khandanian on the Threat to Armenia’s Voting Rights in CSTO

Sarkis Khandanian, a member of the National Assembly from the "Civil Contract" faction and chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, addressed reporters regarding the tensions in Armenia-Russia relations and the situation surrounding Armenia's membership in the CSTO.

In response to the statement made by the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister that Armenia could lose its voting rights in the CSTO if the situation does not change before November, Khandanian noted that Yerevan's position remains unchanged. He stated that there is no plan to unfreeze Armenia's membership in the CSTO. "Armenia's position has not changed. We have suspended our participation in the organization for several years now, and there is no path for return," he emphasized.

Khandaian mentioned that Armenia would simply take note of any possible decision made by CSTO partners. The reasons for Armenia's suspension are still present; he pointed out that the issues that led to Armenia's suspension of membership have not been resolved to this day. Furthermore, the CSTO has not issued any political-level statement condemning the aggression carried out against Armenia's sovereign territory in 2022.

Regarding whether Yerevan still expects a political assessment, Khandanian indicated that a significant amount of time has passed, peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the process of delimitation is continuing in full swing. In this new context, any statement or decision from the CSTO would already be premature.

He added that should the organization decide to expel Armenia, it would be a situation that Yerevan must discuss, evaluate, and consider in its future relations with both the CSTO and its member states. This indicates that Armenia is not willing to make concessions or intensify its participation in the CSTO to maintain its voting rights, and is prepared to take note of any decisions made by the organization, including expulsion from membership.