Yerevan [Armenia], February 27: Predictably, Armenia has decided to suspend its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) established in 2002 with members Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
After the two most recent wars with Azerbaijan in the Nagorny Karabakh region, Armenia actually lost control and management of this region to Azerbaijan. Therefore, in Armenia - both the government and the people - no longer trust Russia, no longer expect anything from Russia's security protection, even though there are still military bases on Armenian territory. of Russia. From then on, Armenia may no longer find it necessary or beneficial to continue participating in the CSTO.
This move by Armenia is aimed first of all at Russia, showing its distance from Russia. That also creates a favorable political atmosphere and premise for Armenia to get closer to the US, NATO and the EU. Armenia 's disappointment and resentment towards Russia is not newly revealed, but has been expressed for quite a long time. The US, EU and NATO quickly took advantage of the opportunity to take advantage of Armenia, attract Armenia to their side, separate Armenia from Russia, increase direct political as well as military and security presence in Armenia and Caucasus region, thereby also restraining Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran, but first narrowing and neutralizing Russia's influence in this region. Russia cannot help but feel resentful about Armenia because it is at a great disadvantage.
Armenia has decided to break up with Russia but still maintains room to return and keeps the card to create a position for itself in the region as well as for relations with relevant partners. That is, Armenia has not officially left the collective security alliance mentioned above and has not closed the Russian military base on Armenian territory. However, the political and security situation in the region has changed and the rift with Russia is not easily overcome.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper