Tasmagambetov: CSTO monitors processes in Europe and maintains working relations with Armenia
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is closely monitoring processes occurring in close proximity to its area of responsibility. The organization has obligations to its member states, including maintaining working relations with Yerevan; CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov said this in an interview with Izvestia.
“I would like to once again emphasize that the Republic of Armenia remains an ally, and the organization’s commitments toward the country remain in force. As for signals regarding Armenia’s willingness to resume cooperation with the CSTO, the format of relations has not changed and remains the same,” Tasmagambetov noted.
According to him, the CSTO is closely following processes in Europe, particularly in connection with adjustments to U.S. foreign policy.
Tasmagambetov highlighted the need to differentiate between the strategic course of European countries within NATO and initiatives in their bilateral relations. In this regard, in some cases, interactions between Berlin and Paris have not been entirely smooth.
As the CSTO secretary general noted, when discussing the EU’s “nuclear umbrella,” one should remember the long-standing debate on the creation of a European army, which has never become a reality. Therefore, given the situation in the West, the current discussion is unlikely to require a response from the CSTO.
As for NATO, Washington insists on increasing defense spending of member states to 5% of GDP, and European countries resist this, offering alternative solutions, many of which are not viable. Thus, we observe opposing vectors in security policy. And in this situation, the CSTO will not take any drastic steps; there is no reason for this. The organization has its own strategy and plans to ensure security in its sphere of responsibility. Of course, CSTO analysts monitor all trends in the Euro-Atlantic region, and if necessary, the organization’s strategy will be adjusted. However, currently there are no prerequisites for this,” the official noted.
