MOSCOW — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin has accused Armenia of attempting to shift responsibility for its decisions onto other member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
“Despite freezing its participation in the CSTO and suspending membership fee payments, Armenia remains a full member of the organization,” Pankin stated.
He emphasized that Moscow has not excluded Yerevan from cooperation and continues to offer Armenia the opportunity to participate in decisions developed within the organization.
“Unfortunately, we see no reciprocal steps from the Armenian side. Instead, there are renewed attempts to shift responsibility for its decisions onto others,” he said.
Pankin also noted that under the CSTO Charter, a member state may lose its voting rights until outstanding membership contributions are fully paid.
Commenting on the upcoming CSTO summit scheduled for November 11 in Moscow, Pankin said the meeting of the Collective Security Council would mark the culmination of Russia’s chairmanship of the organization.
He explained that a comprehensive package of documents would be submitted to the heads of member states for approval, aimed at strengthening the CSTO’s capabilities as a key mechanism for maintaining regional stability.
According to Pankin, participants will also coordinate their positions on pressing international and regional issues and outline priorities for further cooperation among CSTO allies.
