Your trusted source

Russia urges Armenia to start discussing the situation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) instead of public attacks and criticism, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said in an interview with RIA Novosti on Thursday.

"We are all interested in further improving the CSTO's activities and its effectiveness as a military and political bloc. Undoubtedly, this would be facilitated by Armenia's soonest possible return to normal and full-fledged work within the organization. Unfortunately, our Armenian partners have really distanced themselves from the organization so far," the diplomat said.

"We urge our colleagues in Yerevan to start discussing pressing issues at the political and expert levels instead of public emotional outbursts and criticism of the organization," Pankin stressed.

Moscow believes the continuation of mutually respectful dialogue with Armenia within the CSTO meets Yerevan's security interests and is aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Eurasian space, including the South Caucasus region, he noted.