“We may weaken our position in the CSTO as a result of poor foreign policy. Our position was mostly strong, and the work we did was mostly backstage, despite the fact that it was usually rewarding. The CSTO was always able to have a balanced approach regardless of disagreements taking place between member states. But now, different approaches result in firm contradictions that have an impact on national relations, including on Armenia’s opportunities in the EAEU,” former Deputy Minister of Defense, RPA deputy candidate Artak Zakaryan told reporters concerning the situation in the CSTO after disagreements between Belarus and Armenia.
In his view, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement aimed towards Belarus was unacceptable. “The Armenian authorities need to ensure that Belarus apologizes or reevaluates its approach.”
Regarding Armenia’s duties in the CSTO, Artak Zakaryan expressed his belief that Armenia needs to do its best to have a Secretary General. “The issue was viewed incorrectly. I hope that the authorities will not repeat their mistakes. The need for the issue to be resolved quickly rose during the process to replace Yuri Khachaturov. I do not connect that to legal issues, but instead political ones. He was a soldier by profession and he worked efficiently. He was respected by the CSTO member states. Armenia should not hold speeches about foreign policy, but instead it should speak less and work more.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
