On September 26, 2022 a number of civil and political forces of Armenia organized a campaign in front of the building of the RA Foreign Ministry demanding the withdrawal of Armenia from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In a letter-demand presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the participants of the action demanded from the government the implementation of effective steps aimed at leaving the CSTO. 

In his speech, Hovsep Khurshudyan, the participant of the action, said that the government should not worry about possible further restrictions in trade and economic relations with Russia or the possible increase in the price of gas purchased from Russia, but should find alternative ways of security, including energy security. Competent risk management is within the responsibilities of the government. 

The alliance with CSTO prevents Armenia from finding alternative security resources. “Be sure,” said Hovsep Khurshudyan, “that if we take a step, the international community, the West, the European Union will support us.” 

Watch the full speech (in Armenian) of Hovsep Khurshudyan, the Coordinator of the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, Hovsep Khurshudyan here.