Russia: CSTO doors should be open to Azerbaijan tooMay 24, 2021 - 11:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The doors of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) should be open to everyone, including Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said in an interview with Izvestia. Rudenko noted that the only thing that can restrict membership is certain provisions of the organization's charter, according to which, in order to join the CSTO, it is necessary to have diplomatic relations with its members. “There are no such relations yet between Azerbaijan and Armenia. When they are established – we hope that sooner or later this will happen – then this issue can also be put into practice in one form or another," Rudenko said. 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. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province). Armenia has already asked CSTO for help but the Organization is still monitoring the situation "with concern." Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |