Aleksandr Pankin: Russia calls on Armenia to start discussing state of affairs within CSTO

Russia calls on Armenia to start discussing the state of affairs within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), instead of public attacks and criticism, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"We are all interested in the further improvement of CSTO activity and its effectiveness as a politico-military alliance. Of course, the urgent return of Armenia to normal and full work within the framework of the organization would contribute to this. Sadly, our Armenian allies have truly distanced themselves from it for now," said the Russian diplomat.

"We call on the colleagues in Yerevan to start discussing matters that have matured at the political and expert levels, instead of public emotional attacks and criticism of the organization," Pankin emphasized.

Moscow assumes that the continuation of a mutually respectful dialogue with Armenia within the framework of the CSTO corresponds to Yerevan's interests in the security domain, serves to support peace and stability in Eurasia, including the South Caucasus, the Russian deputy FM noted.