CSTO supports Armenia's steps to resolve Azerbaijan crisis diplomatically

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) supports the steps of the Armenian government to resolve the situation with Azerbaijan politically and diplomatically, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas said on the eve of a working visit to Armenia scheduled for December 21-23, Armenpress reports.

According to him, Armenia and Azerbaijan's decision to start demarcation of the border is an important step to prevent the "repetition of the current situation."

When asked how he assesses the fact that the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have been on the territory of Armenia – a CSTO member state – for several months now, and what steps will be taken to make them withdraw from the area, Zas replied that the CSTO is concerned about the tense situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and is closely monitoring it.

Zas added that it is worth more actively using the opportunities of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship.

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area. On November 16, the Azerbaijani side launched a fresh offensive in the province of Syunik, during which Armenian soldiers were killed and taken captive.