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Armenia’s refusal to host the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military exercises this year does not reduce the risk of fresh Azerbaijani attack on Armenia and Artsakh, according to opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan.

At a January 10 press conference, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said hosting CSTO drills in Armenia in the current situation would be inexpedient and could pose a threat to the country’s security.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Abrahamyan, who represents the opposition Pativ Unem bloc, said the CSTO exercises were aimed at harmonizing the actions of its member countries’ troops, apart from boosting their combat readiness.

He believes the decision to hold military drills in Armenia was a show of support for the country, adding the Armenian leadership's reluctance to host the exercises is “incomprehensible”.

“Obviously, Armenia and Artsakh are facing increasing threats, thus the Armenian authorities’ decision to reject military exercises does not absolutely reduce the risk of a possible Azerbaijani attack,” the deputy claimed, adding drills “would not stop or trigger" Azerbaijani aggression.

Also, he criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration for poor efforts to stop the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world.

“Moreover, the Armenian leaders’ statement that Artsakh should hold talks with Azerbaijan on the matter indicate that Armenia doesn’t take strong political action to resolve the issue,” the MP stated.