ArmInfo.The appearance of observer countries in the CSTO does not proceed from the interests of Armenia, but fully corresponds to the interests of Russia, expert on regional issues Karen Veranyan expressed such an opinion to ArmInfo.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a protocol providing for changes in the Charter of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, according to which some countries are given the opportunity to obtain observer status in the Organization.
"The continuing aggravation of relations with the US encourages Moscow to seek cooperation with any forces left outside the area of influence of the collective West and NATO. The motivation of the decision to grant observer status in the CSTO to countries that are not yet voiced should be considered in this context. I think there are such countries both in the CIS and outside the post-Soviet space, "he said. However, the expert considers that possible appearance of observers contains certain threats to Armenia as a member of the CSTO if it is a question of the implicit intentions of Azerbaijan that have been noticed for quite some time. Especially in light of Baku's rather close ties with the CSTO members of Kazakhstan and Belarus, who already have certain problems with Yerevan.
According to his estimates, any participation in the CSTO of Azerbaijan or Pakistan, who refuses even to recognize the sovereignty of Armenia, will become a factor leading to reduction of the role of Armenia in this organization. Although Moscow is not interested in isolating and, especially, leveling the role of Yerevan in the Organization, especially in favor of the interests of observer countries. After the regular exit of Uzbekistan, 6 countries remain in the CSTO: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The organization after the withdrawal of Armenia from the post of Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov is headed by Deputy Secretary General Valery Semerikov.