According to a report by Russia's TASS news agency on August 24, Russian President's press secretary Peskov stated that if Armenia no longer needs to be a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, it can withdraw from the organization.
Armenia's Prime Minister Pashinyan recently stated that he supports Armenia's withdrawal from the CIS. "I would be very happy if the organization removes Armenia from its list. At least, this would free us from the dilemma of whether to withdraw or not."
Peshkov responded to Pashinyan's statements by saying: "If Eriven no longer requires the membership of its country in this organization for the security of the regions, it can make corresponding decisions and withdraw from the organization."
"So far, we've heard all sorts of statements from the Armenian official levels. They say yes, member identities have been frozen, but Armenia currently has no exit plan. At least, that's what we've heard so far." said Peskov.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization was established in May 2002, evolving from the CIS Collective Security Treaty signed in 1992. The organization currently includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan as its member states.
Since February 2024, Armenia has suspended its participation in the activities of the Zenev organization. Pashnyan stated that Armenia believes that the Zenev organization did not play a role during the period around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between 2021 and 2022.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said on June 10 that due to Armenia's failure to pay its contributions for two consecutive years, the Collective Security Treaty Organization has agreed to consider applying relevant provisions of the organization's charter against the country. According to reports, these provisions stipulate that if a member state fails to fulfill its financial obligations, it may have its rights restricted.
On August 11, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Gatuzov told Tass that the possibility of canceling Armenia’s voting rights at the CIS summit scheduled for November 11 was being considered.
