YERAVAN. Sept 12 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov has said he does not rule out that Azerbaijan may be granted an observer status with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
"This is true not only for Azerbaijan alone. The CSTO will always welcome cooperation with all former Soviet republics. All of us were once one family," Borisov said upon being asked whether the possibility of making Azerbaijan a CSTO observer or partner is being considered.
"We have a great deal in common. It also concerns the certain balance of, let's put it this way, military forces of all former republics. We pursue a very well-balanced and thoughtful policy of military-technical cooperation with all CSTO countries and Azerbaijan in particular," he said.
Russia does not want the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to flare up again and will help resolve it, he said.
"And you're aware of the role Russia, and our president in particular, has been playing there. The CSTO adopts its decisions collectively. After discussions, if the organization recognizes the need for such a decision, it will be adopted in accordance with the charter, regulations, and rules of the organization," Borisov said.
Yerevan hosted a meeting of the CSTO interstate commission for military-economic cooperation on Thursday.
Yerevan said earlier that it is opposed to Azerbaijan's inclusion in the CSTO in any status.