Russia Prepares Proposal on Armenia’s CSTO Status as Organization Rules Out Expulsion

MINSK — Russia has prepared a specific proposal concerning Armenia that will be presented to member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), according to the organization’s Secretary General, Taalatbek Masadykov.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Eurasian Security Conference in Minsk, Masadykov emphasized that Armenia’s expulsion from the CSTO is not under consideration.

“The issue of removing Armenia from the Collective Security Treaty Organization is not on the agenda,” he stated.

According to Masadykov, Armenia has largely refrained from actively participating in CSTO activities for the past three years. Nevertheless, Armenia’s representative continues to attend all weekly consultations of the organization’s permanent representatives.

Masadykov also revealed that Russia has prepared a specific proposal regarding Armenia, which will be submitted to the CSTO member states for consideration. He did not disclose details of the proposal.

He stressed that the decision on whether Armenia should continue participating in the organization ultimately rests with the Armenian government and its people.

The matter could be discussed at the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting scheduled for November 10, provided member states agree to include it on the agenda.