Spokeswoman: Russia unaware of Armenia's request to leave CSTO

Spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova has said that Russia does not have the confirmed information on whether Armenia has approached the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) with a request to withdraw from it. 

Zakharova made these remarks during a briefing, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"We are not aware of any documents being submitted to the CSTO from the Armenian official bodies regarding withdrawal from the organisation," she noted.

At the same time, Zakharova pointed out that some statements have emerged from Yerevan suggesting that they see themselves as already being beyond certain frameworks or that they have somehow already withdrawn. 

"This is a question you should ask representatives of Armenia," she noted.

Zakharova also addressed the issue of Armenia's contributions to the CSTO budget, emphasising that the principle of budget formation in the CSTO is not much different from other international organisations, including the United Nations.

"The CSTO budget is formed through the contributions of member states, which were proportionally allocated and approved back in 2003. Russia finances a half, while the other allies contribute equally, at 10 per cent each," the diplomat reminded. 

"Financing the activities of the organisation is an inherent obligation of every member, and no provisions exist for any form of abstention from financing. Contributions not made in the current financial year create a debt for the state. If obligations to repay the debt to the organisation’s budget are not met within two years, the CSTO Collective Security Council may decide to take measures against the debtor state, including revoking its voting rights," she said.

"Once Armenia agreed to this, and I haven't heard any objections from it," Zakharova added.

By Naila Huseynova