Armenia Risks Losing CSTO Voting Rights as Regional Ties Shift

The modernised Upper Zaramag border crossing, the sole land link between Russia and the breakaway region of South Ossetia, has reopened with three additional lanes. Acting South Ossetian President Marat Kambolov said the aim is to cut crossing times to no more than 30 minutes.

In Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan has been appointed for a new term as prime minister following the resignation of his previous government. Meanwhile, two de‑mining workers were injured in a mine explosion in the Aghdara (Martakert) district, and Azerbaijani customs seized 112 kg of heroin.

Armenia faces the possible loss of its voting rights in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The CSTO Security Council in Moscow is set to discuss the issue on 11 November, citing Armenia’s failure to meet financial obligations, its lack of representation in CSTO bodies, and its recent move toward EU integration and away from Russian ties. The situation raises concerns about the future of the alliance’s collective defence mechanisms in the South Caucasus.