Russia warns Armenia of possible CSTO voting restrictions

Armenia may be stripped of its voting rights in the working bodies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) due to unpaid membership contributions, which could remain in effect until the outstanding debt is fully settled.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the remarks in an interview with Russian media, Caliber.Az reports.

“Under Article 25 of the Organization’s Charter, in the event a state fails to fulfill its obligations, certain measures may be applied. In particular, if there is a budget debt lasting for two years, this includes the suspension of the right to nominate citizens of that state for quota-based positions, as well as the deprivation of voting rights in the working bodies until the debt is fully repaid,” Zakharova said.

Under the provisions cited, member states that fail to meet financial obligations may face restrictions within the organization’s institutional framework, including limitations on representation and participation in decision-making bodies until arrears are cleared.

By Vafa Guliyeva