Russia urges Armenia to start discussing long-standing issues within CSTO

Russia urges Armenia to start discussing long-standing issues in the CSTO and refrain from public outbursts and criticism, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin told RIA Novosti.

“We are all interested in further developing the CSTO and its effectiveness as a military-political union. Undoubtedly, this would be facilitated if Armenia returned to normal and full work within the organization as soon as possible. Unfortunately, our Armenian allies have actually distanced themselves from the organization so far,” the diplomat said.

“We urge our colleagues in Yerevan to refrain from public emotional outbursts and criticism of the organization and start discussing long-standing issues at the political and expert levels,” Pankin stressed.

“Moscow acts on the premise that mutually respectful dialogue with Armenia within the CSTO meets Yerevan’s security interests and contributes to peace and stability in the Eurasian space, including the South Caucasus,” he added.