Nagorno-Karabakh represents itself as an independent state and not as part of Armenia and therefore the CSTO norms do not extend to Nagorno-Karabakh, Director General of the Institute of Caspian Cooperation Sergey Mikheyev said at Yerevan-Moscow space bridge.

He noted that all norms of CSTO extend to Armenia and the joint defense provisions will work in case of aggression against Armenia.

Coordinator of the CSTO Analytical Association Igor Panarin, speaking of Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union, said that CSTO is a “security umbrella” in the territory of Eurasia.

“I welcome the wish of the Armenian leadership to join the Customs Union. It is a right decision,” Mr Panarin said.