MOSCOW (TASS News) — The post-Soviet security organization, Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), will react to any actions causing escalation of tension at the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as in Nagorno-Karabakh, the organization’s head Nikolai Bordyuzha said on Friday.
“The Organization has been reacting to any actions of the kind [use of military force] that affect security in the region,” he said.
At the same time, he continued, the organization is not involved in settlement of that conflict.
“We only monitor the situation, as it involves our ally – Armenia,” the official said. “CSTO’s position is quite strait – all participating countries want to have the conflict settled by only political means.”
“All countries are against escalation of the tension at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, against use of heavy weapons,” he added.
Borduzh also added Friday that it has been ruled out that CSTO forces will start a ground operation in Syria.
“One cannot talk in full seriousness that the leaders of our countries will make a decision on starting a ground operation beyond their borders,” Bordyuzha said answering a question on whether CSTO forces may be deployed in Syria.
He added that “CSTO military potential may be used only on the territory of member countries on approval of the heads of states.”
According to the official, the CSTO is ready to consider Syria’s application for membership if the country submits one.
“To be honest, I don’t know anything about Syria’s efforts on joining CSTO,” Bordyuzha noted. “Not all countries today are ready to give up elements of their sovereignty. If a country conscientiously approaches the issue of joining CSTO… it will be considered and a decision will be made,” he added.
Armenian forces are capable of repelling an Azeri launched aggression. Our armed forces will be our shield.