Any step that can distance CSTO member states from each other is  deeply mistaken: Gryzlov on Armenia`s "freezing" of its membership in  Organization

ArmInfo. Any step that can distance the CSTO member states from each other is deeply mistaken.  This was stated by Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov when  asked to assess the future activities of the CSTO, considering  Armenia's "freezing" of its membership in Organization

The diplomat noted that effective mechanisms have been  establishedwithin the Organization that allow for discussion and  resolution of a wide variety of issues, even if they seem difficult  to resolve at first glance.  "I do not think that such a step by  Yerevan can seriously disrupt the work of the Organization, since it  is completely stable. Although, of course, it will mean a weakening  of the CSTO's position in the South Caucasus. In my opinion, the main  question will be how to build Armenia's own policy in these  conditions.  It is important to understand that all the actions and  plans of the West in the South Caucasus are not dictated by concern  for the countries of this region. Washington and Brussels are not  striving for constructive cooperation, but to draw the countries of  the region into their geopolitical adventures. Will this bring more  security to Armenia?  the question is rhetorical," Boris Gryzlov said  in an interview with the "Allies. CSTO" socio-political publication.

At the end of February, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said  in an interview to France24 that the collective security agreement  has not been implemented in the case of Armenia, and the republic has  frozen its participation in the CSTO.

The CSTO Secretariat said that it had not received any relevant  notifications from Yerevan. And the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded  clarification from Armenia on this issue. The Russian department  expressed confidence that reducing Armenia's participation in CSTO  events does not meet the interests of the Armenian people. Belarusian  President Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the CSTO  "will not collapse" without Armenia. Later, Armenia also refused to  fulfill its financial obligations to the CSTO.