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The statements of Belarusian and Kazakh presidents do not stem from the constructive spirit and cooperation logic dominating in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), head of the ARF-D parliamentary faction Armen Rustamyan told reporters in a briefing on Monday, expressing regret over the unfavorable situation created in the Russia-led organization.

The lawmaker said Armenia should have dealt with the issue in a way not to give rise to new problems in the security bloc.

He stressed that Yuri Khachaturov was not easily appointed as CSTO Secretary General back in 2017, and Armenia should have taken it into account before recalling him from the post.

With tensions mounting in the organization, Rustamyan said if Armenia faces problems in the CSTO, Azerbaijan will be the first to make use of them.

“We see how delighted the Azerbaijani president is while touching upon the issue, pinning the blame on Armenia. He states that if there are issues in the organization Armenia is the one creating them. We must be tactful and take wise steps,” Rustamyan said.

Commenting on the reports on the possible involvement of Azerbaijan and Pakistan to the CSTO requiring amendments to its rules of procedure, he stressed it isn’t an easy thing to do given the fact decisions are adopted by consensus in the security bloc.  “I don’t think issues may emerge in that respect. Armenia has an equal role and right of voice [in the CSTO],” he said.

Khachaturov was recalled as the CSTO chief on 2 November after being charged with overthrowing Armenia’s constitutional order during the March 1-2, 2008 post-election turmoil in Yerevan.