CSTO chief promises Armenia support in case of Karabakh escalation

PanARMENIAN.Net - The OSCE Minsk Group is the best platform to promote a solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s secretary general said, warning against attempts for searching other formats, Tert.am reports.

Speaking at TV space bridge from Moscow, Nikolay Bordyuzha also reiterated his organization’s support to the peace process.

“The OSCE Minsk Group is thoroughly studying the problem, so no other institution needs to be involved in the process,” he said. “We constantly receive reports from Armenia about fatalities and shoot-outs. It is also important to note that Armenia, as a full-fledged member of the CSTO, has a right to receive extra support in case of escalation,” Bordyuzha added.

The Russian official said that the organization of military exercises for the member states’ national security forces is going on as scheduled.

Asked about Azerbaijan’s possible membership in the CSTO, he said that all countries have to be a part of the collective security system.

“In case Azerbaijan raises such a question, we can, of course, discuss it with the member states, including Armenia,” he said.

Asked to comment on Russia’s arms trade with Azerbaijan, the secretary general replied, “I have repeatedly addressed that question and want to reiterate that Russia sells arms to both Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the equality principle in order to maintain balance.”