18/06/2013 15:02
Political scientist: CSTO membership is of no use to Armenia
“I can’t understand the motives and goals that keep Armenia in the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Not only Russia, but also other CSTO member states have repeatedly been noted for their closer military and political relations with Azerbaijan as compared with their relations with Armenia,” political scientist Suren Sureniants told Aysor.am.
It is noteworthy that there were reports in the Russian mass media today that Russia has begun a massive supply of arms of almost $1 billion to Azerbaijan.
In Sureniants’ words, membership of CSTO is of no use to Armenia from a political and military point of view.
“Russia is playing a destructive role in our region. Instead of contributing to the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, it is busy maintaining the status quo. By the status quo, the Russians usually mean selling their arms to Armenia and Azerbaijan. By deepening its relations with both countries, Russia tries to maintain the balance. I won’t be surprised if the information about arms sale is officially confirmed. Moscow has carried out such a policy in the last 10-15 years,” Suren Sureniants noted.
Gazeta.ru reported that Azerbaijan has begun supplying $700,000 -$1,000,000 worth of arms to Azerbaijan, including 64 T-90C tanks, 100 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, and MSTA-C howitzers.
In addition, Russia plans to supply 18 Smerch (Tornado) multiple rocket launchers, Vena artillery systems, and 6 SOU 1-A rocket launcher systems.