It is up to Armenia to decide on CSTO membership - RF Deputy FM

ArmInfo.  The decision on the issue of membership in the CSTO is up to Armenia. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexey Pankin told RIA Novosti "on the  sidelines" of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"Everyone understands that Armenia, which has frozen, as they say,  membership in the CSTO, does not participate in decision-making, but  does not interfere with it, should still, probably, take a sober look  at the possibilities of ensuring its security, including in the  collective format of the CSTO. The decision in any case will be up to  the Armenian authorities," he noted.

Armenia is boycotting events held within the framework of the CSTO.   In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that  Armenia had practically frozen its participation in the CSTO, since  the Organization did not fulfill its obligations to the Republic of  Armenia, which could not remain without consequences. On September  18, 2024, at the Second World Armenian Summit, Pashinyan stated that  the CSTO poses threats to Armenia's security, its continued  existence, sovereignty and statehood.