Armenia's CSTO membership suspended, not terminated

PanARMENIAN.Net - Imangali Tasmagambetov, Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), stated that Armenia has not withdrawn from the organization but has suspended its participation. He emphasized that "purely working contacts" between the parties have been preserved, and Yerevan is informed about all matters discussed within the secretariat, according to Kommersant.

"Frankly speaking, Armenia has not left; it has merely suspended its participation in the organization's activities," Tasmagambetov noted.

He added that the CSTO understands Armenia's decision, and the question of future participation lies within the purview of the Armenian political leadership.

In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the suspension of the country's participation in the CSTO, citing the organization's failure to fulfill its obligations and recognize its area of responsibility. Armenia has frozen its participation, ceased financial contributions, and has not taken part in joint exercises or meetings for an extended period. Pashinyan stated that Armenia may have reached the point of no return regarding CSTO membership.