CSTO vows to take action as Azerbaijan refuses to withdraw from ArmeniaMay 13, 2021 - 18:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Collective Security Treaty Organization will take measures, if necessary, depending on how the situation with Azerbaijan's crossing into Armenian soil develops, according to a statement from the CSTO. On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas discussed the matter with Acting Minister of Defense of Armenia Vagharshak Harutyunyan and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ara Aivazian. "The CSTO is closely following the development of the situation in the border regions of the Syunik province of Armenia. As the situation develops, if necessary, measures will be taken under the provisions of the Collective Security Treaty and the CSTO Charter," the statement said. The Permanent Representative of Armenia to the CSTO Viktor Biyagov earlier provided details about Azerbaijan's provocation in Armenia's Syunik province to the organization. He stressed that if Azerbaijan fails to withdraw its troops from the Armenian soil within reasonable time frames, the responsibility for escalation will rest with Baku. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |