Armenian PM Snubs Putin, Won’t Attend CIS Summit
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian Declines Participation in CIS Summit
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming summit of the Council of the Leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The summit is set to take place in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, on October 13.
The decision of Prime Minister Pashinian to abstain from attending the CIS summit comes amid ongoing tensions and conflicts between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The conflict, which reignited in late September, has resulted in significant casualties and raised international concerns.
Pashinian’s absence from the summit is seen by many as a gesture reflecting Armenia’s current priorities, focusing on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its aftermath. The Prime Minister has called for diplomatic negotiations and peace talks to achieve a lasting resolution, rather than participating in international gatherings.
The Council of the Leaders of the CIS is a regional organization comprising former Soviet republics, aimed at facilitating cooperation in various fields. The summit in Bishkek was expected to cover a range of topics, including economic integration, security, and regional stability.
Armenia’s decision not to send its Prime Minister to the CIS summit is another indication of the nation’s resolve to prioritize ending the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. With the ongoing clashes causing significant humanitarian and economic challenges, Armenia’s focus remains on finding a peaceful solution that ensures the safety and rights of its citizens and the region as a whole.
The absence of Prime Minister Pashinian at the summit also underlines the strained relations between Armenia and other CIS member states, including Azerbaijan and Russia, which have been actively involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. The conflict has tested regional alliances and allegiances, further complicating the dynamics of the summit.
While the CIS summit in Bishkek may proceed without Armenia’s participation, it is a clear reminder of the pressing and immediate concerns faced by the nation. As the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to escalate, attention and efforts must be concentrated on reaching a peaceful resolution that ensures stability and security in the region.
The decision of Prime Minister Pashinian not to attend the CIS summit sends a strong message about Armenia’s commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomatic means, urging all concerned parties to engage in negotiations rather than international gatherings. As the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains tense, the international community must rally behind efforts for peace and support the search for a sustainable solution to this long-standing dispute.
