"We will not accept Europe's request for a ceasefire in Ukraine"

Lavrov attended the joint meeting of the committee of secretaries of the foreign affairs, defense and security councils of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held in Moscow.

After the meeting, Lavrov held a press conference with CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadikov.

Noting that tripartite negotiations between Russia, the USA and Ukraine started today in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lavrov noted that issues related to the creation of the regional security system in the future with the initiative of the USA were discussed in the negotiations.

"After determining the clear parameters of the future security system, the idea of ​​​​moving on to resolving the issue between Russia and Ukraine is extremely reasonable," Lavrov said. made his assessment.

"We will not accept Europe's request for a ceasefire in Ukraine"

Noting that European countries have requested a ceasefire in Ukraine, Lavrov said, "This is an old logic. This is being done to buy time for Ukraine and compensate for losses. We will not accept this." he said.

Lavrov stated that European representatives went to Abu Dhabi for negotiations and continued:

"They went to Abu Dhabi, let them sit at the hotel. The Americans stated that they will hold meetings with the Ukrainians and Europeans before starting negotiations with our delegation. They will probably do this to gain strength from their optimistic mood and determination for permanent peace. I do not think this is an efficient working method. We cannot and do not want to prevent the Americans, who think they will contribute to the negotiations, from meeting with the people they want."

Stating that Europe plans to deploy military units to Ukraine immediately after the ceasefire is achieved, Lavrov pointed out that some European Union (EU) countries have started to conduct exercises in Poland.

Stating that the Kiev administration absolutely refused to implement the collective security agreements signed since 2014, Lavrov underlined that this is why the conflicts in Ukraine started.

"Israel refuses to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs"

Sharing his hope that the USA will not attack Iran again, Lavrov stated that they support the mediation initiatives of Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt on this issue, and that they are in favor of finding political solutions to the situation in the region.

Recalling that a memorandum of understanding was signed between Iran and the USA in Pakistan's capital Islamabad in June, Lavrov said, "Despite this, Israel refuses to implement Article 1 of the memorandum, which stipulates not to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs. The Israeli administration announced that they will not do this and the establishment of the State of Palestine will not be allowed." he said.

In addition, Lavrov said that the road map for a solution in Yemen, prepared in 2023 with the initiative of Saudi Arabia, is up to date.

"The issue of suspension of Armenia's voting right in the CSTO will be evaluated"

Noting that Armenia has not made an official application to leave the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Lavrov stated that at today's meeting, they decided to submit the issue of suspension of Armenia's voting right in the CSTO to the evaluation of the heads of state.

Minister Lavrov said, "Yerevan says that the CSTO does not meet Armenia's security needs and does not serve its interests. If this is the case, Armenia must leave the organization. However, we will not remove Armenia from the organization." he said.