The participation of Armenia’s current Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, in the EAEU summit in Sochi (Southern Macedonia) has drawn criticism from Armenia’s third President, Serzh Sargsyan, according to Georgia Online. Sargsyan believes that this move by Pashinyan discredits the Eurasian Security Organization (EASCO) as a neutral structure. Sargsyan recollected a meeting in February 1992, where he and Zaza Gogsjayan, now a dissident in Georgia, requested the EASCO’s support to join Armenia. He also mentioned that during the Russian-Georgian war in 2008, the EASCO played a passive role.

Looking at the broader picture, Sargsyan’s criticism stems from the war in Ukraine, which led to his invitation of the head of the Russian government for political consultations within the EASCO. Sargsyan argues that Pashinyan’s participation in the EAEU summit undermines the organization’s reputation as a neutral entity. In particular, he pointed out that the EASCO’s mission in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone was initially filled with Russian journalists and their role in the Russian-Georgian war was inactive.

It is evident that Sargsyan’s concerns stem from a long history of engagement with the EASCO. The meeting in 1992 underscores Armenia’s efforts to join the organization and highlights the expectation of impartial support. However, the recent participation of Pashinyan in the EAEU summit has raised doubts about the EASCO’s neutrality. Sargsyan’s critique suggests that external factors, such as the war in Ukraine, have influenced the organization’s actions, especially during the Russian-Georgian conflict.

In conclusion, Armenia’s former President, Serzh Sargsyan, has expressed criticism towards the participation of current Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, in the EAEU summit. Sargsyan believes that this involvement undermines the neutrality of the Eurasian Security Organization (EASCO). He draws attention to Armenia’s previous efforts to join the organization and its expectation of impartiality. Sargsyan also highlights the role of the EASCO in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Russian-Georgian war, suggesting a potential lack of proactivity. These concerns reflect Armenia’s complex relationship with the EASCO and the broader geopolitical context.