Eduard Sharmazanov writes on his Facebook page:
It's funny when those who surrender Artsakh are persuaded not to "betray" the CSTO and the EAEU.
Let me tell you a story.
In 2014 and 2016, the issue of granting Pakistan observer status in the organization was on the agenda twice at the CSTO PA.
Apart from Armenia, the CSTO member states were not against granting Pakistan observer status.
As a member of the CSTO PA Presidium and head of the RA NA delegation, I was categorically against granting Pakistan any status in the CSTO PA, since Pakistan did not officially recognize the RA, and during the April 2016 battles it was one of the supporters of the Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh.
As the head of the RA NA delegation,
I addressed the highest body of the CSTO PA with an official letter and stated that it was unacceptable for the RA delegation to grant Pakistan the status of an observer in the CSTO PA.
I had stated in the letter that at least until Pakistan does not recognize the RA, we will not allow such an issue to even be discussed at the CSTO PA Council session.
The same clear and pro-Armenian position was also held by Khosrov Harutyunyan, the chairman of the CSTO PA Political Committee.
A great deal of work was also done by the RA NA representative in the CSTO PA, Hayk Chilingaryan, and the Head of the RA NA Foreign Relations Department, Viktor Biyagov.
Thanks to our joint efforts, the issue of Pakistan was never included in the agenda of the CSTO PA Council session.
When everything was over, an informal conversation took place with CSTO partners.
The conversation was open and sincere.
Our CSTO PA partners noted that granting Pakistan observer status would strengthen the CSTO's positions and raise the organization's international reputation.
I stated without hesitation that the prestige of the CSTO PA is important to me, but the prestige and state interests of the Republic of Armenia are paramount for me.
We will not allow a state that does not recognize the Republic of Armenia and justifies Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh to receive observer status under any circumstances.
Finally, I added that no one will respect anyone who goes against the interests of Armenia and Artsakh, and anyone who goes against the interests of their own state can easily take action against their ally tomorrow.
Why did I tell this story?
When Russian officials complain about the steps taken by the Armenian rulers within the framework of the CSTO and the EAEU, what did they expect from today's rulers?
Did they expect that the force that handed over Shushi and Hadrut, and even the whole of Artsakh, to Azerbaijan would sacredly defend the interests of the CSTO and the EAEU?
If they were defenders, they would protect Artsakh and the Artsakh Armenians.
