CSTO says Armenia remains full member despite political debate over membership

The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) continues to regard Armenia as a full member of the alliance, despite ongoing political discussions in the country about its future relationship with the bloc, CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov said.

Speaking after a meeting of the CSTO Council of Defence Ministers, Masadykov said the issue of Armenia's membership was not on the agenda and that the organisation had received no formal notification from Yerevan regarding any change in its status, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"This issue was not discussed at the meeting," Masadykov said. "As of today, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation considers Armenia a full-fledged member of the CSTO. No other proposals or decisions have been received from the Republic of Armenia."

The secretary-general noted that political statements regarding Armenia's relationship with the alliance should not be interpreted as official government decisions.

"The rhetoric coming from political figures in Armenia or other countries can vary, whether before or after elections," he said.

Masadykov added that any decision on a potential withdrawal from the CSTO would have to be made by Armenia's leadership or through the will of its people.

By Sabina Mammadli