Russia has proposed invoking Article 25 of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) charter against Armenia, potentially suspending its voting rights and its right to nominate candidates for certain positions, RBC reports.
CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov told journalists at the Fourth Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security that the issue could be considered by the Collective Security Council if included on the agenda of its upcoming meeting.
According to Masadykov, the discussion concerns Armenia’s unpaid membership contributions and its continued formal membership despite effectively suspending participation in the organization’s activities.
He described the situation as one involving “membership contributions and, so to speak, being present but not participating in the work.”
Under Article 25 of the CSTO charter, a member state that fails to meet its financial obligations to the organization for two years may face temporary restrictions on certain membership rights.
These include the right to nominate citizens for positions allocated under the organization’s quota system and the right to vote. The restrictions may remain in place until the outstanding contributions are paid.
“This year, if the agenda is approved on the 10th, the Collective Security Council will discuss the matter. The decision to suspend participation is Armenia’s decision. As for the decision of the Collective Security Council, which consists of the leaders of our countries, it will become known after the Council’s meeting,” Masadykov said.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan previously stated that Yerevan saw no possibility of resuming its participation in CSTO activities.
Armenia effectively suspended its participation in the organization in 2024, ceasing membership payments and attendance at its principal meetings. However, it has not formally withdrawn and remains a member state.
The Russian Foreign Ministry previously acknowledged that Armenia’s failure to pay its contributions could lead to different scenarios, although it considered the country’s expulsion from the CSTO unlikely.
