Peskov expressed regret over Pashinyan’s refusal to participate in the CSTO summit

The decision of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan not to participate in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Minsk is regrettable, since this event is a good opportunity to “synchronize watches.” This statement was made by the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov.

“If this is really the case, then we can express regret. <...> Such events are a very good occasion for exchanging opinions and comparing notes,” he noted.

Peskov stressed that the CSTO remains relevant. According to him, meetings within the CSTO confirm the relevance of this format among its participants.

Earlier today, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Armenia reportedthat Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, during which the Armenian prime minister said that he would not be able to attend the CSTO meeting in Minsk. He also expressed hope that members of the organization “will understand this decision.”

A meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council will be held in Minsk on November 23. On November 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed preparations for the event by phone with the Belarusian leader. In the Kremlin promised publish full information about Putin’s participation in the summit at a later date. At the same time, Peskov confirmed that contacts between the Russian President and Lukashenko are indeed being prepared.