Lavrov Signals Possible Suspension of Armenia from Collective Security Treaty Organization
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, stated at the closing press conference of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Foreign Ministers’ Council that due to Armenia’s debt and non-participation in recent programs, members are considering invoking a clause in the treaty that allows for the expulsion of a member.
He noted that although Armenia remains officially a member of the organization, it has once again refrained from participating in its activities. Lavrov added that alongside the adoption of a law in Armenia to join the European Union, there has also been serious discussion about whether the country will remain in or leave the Eurasian Economic Union.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization is a Russia-led military alliance that includes several post-Soviet states, aimed at defense and security cooperation. The Eurasian Economic Union serves as a framework for economic cooperation among certain countries in the region.
In another part of his remarks, the Russian Foreign Minister said the European Union had multiple opportunities to help resolve the Ukraine crisis, but in his view, these opportunities were missed.
He also announced that the ambassadors of Britain, France, and Germany have repeatedly requested meetings with his deputy, adding that the Russian Foreign Ministry “will listen to their statements.”
