Representatives of the CSTO threatened Armenia with restrictions.
The Organization of the Collective Security Treaty must consider the prospects of Armenia's participation in a timely manner. In particular, the issue of depriving Armenia of its voting rights may be considered on November 11, representatives of the participating countries stated.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", a referendum on the possible exit of Armenia from the EAEU cannot be held in the coming months. The country remains a full member of the union, stated a parliament member from the "Civil Contract" party. Meanwhile, he added that Armenia has effectively frozen its participation in the Organization of the Collective Security Treaty (CSTO) for several years now, and, in essence, there is no way back.
Restrictions on the import of Armenian products into Russia contradict the agreements between the two countries, Nikol Pashinyan reminded in a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on July 27. The latter, in turn, insisted on holding a referendum in Armenia on joining the EU. A referendum on the choice between the EAEU and the EU will be meaningless and illegitimate until a number of procedural steps are completed, which will demonstrate disrespect for the people of Armenia, Pashinyan stated on August 7. The Armenian authorities should determine their participation in the EU or EAEU as soon as possible, for example, by holding a referendum that could serve as the basis for an "intelligent divorce" between the two countries, Putin stated on May 9. Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU, but has not eliminated the distrust between Yerevan and Moscow against the backdrop of the Armenian authorities' rhetoric about the country's accession to the European Union, analysts pointed out.
A decision on the further prospects of Armenia's participation in the Organization of the Collective Security Treaty (CSTO) must be made in a timely manner. This was stated by the organization's Secretary General Taalatbek Masadikov.
"We proceed from the fact that a decision regarding the prospects of Armenia's participation in the CSTO must be made in a timely manner," the CSTO quoted his words.
The Permanent Representative of Russia to the CSTO Viktor Vasilyev informed the agency that the possible deprivation of Armenia's voting rights in the organization's bodies will require the consensus of all participating states, and such a decision may be made on November 11 at the meeting of the Collective Security Council.
Any decisions regarding the possible adoption of restrictive measures against one of the organization's members are entirely within the prerogatives of the Collective Security Council (which includes the heads of states - members of the CSTO), which has the right to make such decisions based on the provisions of the organization's charter, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Mikhail Galuzin.
"The next meeting of the Council will take place in Moscow on November 11," TASS quoted him.
Armenia's refusal to participate in the organization's work and the non-signing of annual decisions on its budget only means the non-use of its right, but does not terminate Armenia's obligations for timely payment of its national contribution.
According to him, the CSTO Charter is an international treaty and must be faithfully executed by all its parties, including the obligation of each member state to finance the activities of the CSTO bodies.
"Armenia's refusal to participate in the organization's work and the non-signing of annual decisions on its budget only means the non-use of its right, but does not terminate Armenia's obligations for timely payment of its national contribution," the agency quoted him.
"Based on the principle of maintaining institutional efficiency, there are procedures provided for such cases in any international organization, as stipulated by foundational documents. The CSTO is no exception," said the Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
According to him, this issue will likely be discussed by the leaders of the countries at the next session of the CSTO Collective Security Council, which will take place in Moscow on November 11.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in June that the CSTO, due to Armenia's non-payment of membership fees, will consider the possibility of applying the provisions of the charter regulating actions against states that do not fulfill their obligations.