Armenia stands apart from CIS statements as tensions with Russia grow

Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan, has refrained from signing key statements during a meeting of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) representatives in Moscow, highlighting a potential shift in Yerevan’s foreign policy alignment.

The statements in question, issued on Monday, condemned Western sanctions and outlined a new “multi-vector international security architecture” aimed at countering perceived threats from the West.

Unlike his counterparts, Mirzoyan’s absence from the signing ceremony signals Armenia’s growing estrangement from its traditional ally, Russia.

The first document denounced “unilateral restrictive norms,” which the CIS described as sanctions imposed by unnamed nations to pressure states into changing their policies. It specifically criticized actions such as the freezing of assets and restrictions on the movement of individuals, arguing that these measures violate international law and the UN Charter.

In a press conference following the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly condemned Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. “The United States and its satellites are trying to expand sanctions in the form of so-called secondary and tertiary illegal sanctions,” Lavrov asserted. “We know how to counter this criminal activity.”

The second statement, which Armenia also chose not to endorse, outlined principles for security cooperation in Eurasia. The CIS emphasized that all interested states must have equal participation in establishing international norms, condemning any attempts to impose a coercive dictatorship that undermines regional integration.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed to RFE/RL’s Armenian Service that Mirzoyan did not sign either statement, but did not provide further details on the reasoning behind Armenia’s stance.

The diplomatic rift comes as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan prepares for separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Moscow on Wednesday.

Observers suggest that Mirzoyan’s refusal to endorse the CIS statements underscores a strategic pivot towards the West amidst rising tensions with Moscow.

Recent warnings from Russian officials have underscored the potential ramifications of Armenia’s foreign policy shift, cautioning that such moves could jeopardize the country’s security and economic development.

Simultaneously, the United States and the European Union have been adjusting their engagement strategies in the South Caucasus. In September, Pashinyan announced the beginning of negotiations with the EU regarding the liberalization of the visa regime, while the US Helsinki Commission is advocating for Armenia’s formal recognition as a partner in the region.