Opposition figure Gulu Mammadli stated that the arrest of Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), was expected, but the reasons go beyond simple criticism of the authorities. According to Mammadli, Karimli's publications in major Western media have increased his political significance and visibility abroad, which has caused concern among the Azerbaijani authorities.
British Deputy Defense Minister James Heappie, in his response to parliament, said that London is ready to support Armenia in the face of “threats emanating from Russia.” According to him, Great Britain recognizes Yerevan’s right to suspend participation in the CSTO.
“The UK recognizes this decision as the exercise of Armenia’s sovereign right and will cooperate with its Euro-Atlantic allies to support it in the face of threats of retaliatory action posed by Russia,” the deputy minister said.
Earlier, the Armenian authorities again confirmed their desire to join the European Union. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his country has no choice but to move towards Europe and the West. He also repeatedly criticized the military-political bloc CSTO, which is under Russian influence, and announced the suspension of Armenia’s participation in it. Recently, the country's authorities demanded the removal of Russian border guards from Yerevan airport.