Over time, the leadership of Armenia may change its approach regarding the country’s membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Such was the opinion expressed by the general secretary of the organization, Taalatbek Masadikov, during the briefing held in Moscow.

According to him, the decision on Armenia’s further participation in the CSTO should be made by the leadership of Armenia itself, taking into account the changing international situation and its own assessments. “Time passes, people reconsider their position, the situation in the world changes. I think that the Armenian leadership, the Armenian people themselves, will probably make the right decision whether to stay in our Collective Security Treaty Organization or leave,” Masadikov stated.

He also reminded that, despite the de facto termination of active participation in the activities of the organization, legally, Armenia remains its member. Moreover, according to the general secretary, Yerevan has not transferred membership fees to the CSTO budget for the third year. At the same time, Masadikov noted Armenia’s contribution to the development of relations within the organization and its activities.

According to the Secretary General, issues related to Armenia’s further participation in the CSTO, including possible removal from the organization, are within the jurisdiction of the heads of member states. They will decide when and in what format this issue can be discussed. Nevertheless, Masadikov did not specify whether the topic of Armenia’s membership will be discussed at the upcoming session of the Collective Security Council or not.