CSTO to consider suspending Armenia’s voting rights over unpaid membership fees

YEREVAN — The Collective Security Treaty Organization will consider a proposal to suspend Armenia’s voting rights and its ability to nominate personnel to organizational positions because of more than two years of unpaid membership contributions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced the proposal on November 10 following a joint meeting of CSTO foreign and defence ministers and security council secretaries.

The draft decision, based on Article 25 of the organization’s charter, is expected to be considered by the Collective Security Council on November 11.

Lavrov emphasized that the proposal would not expel Armenia from the alliance or remove its fundamental rights under the Collective Security Treaty.

Armenia froze its participation in CSTO activities in February 2024, citing the alliance’s failure to respond adequately to threats against Armenian security and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently declared that Armenia’s interests in the organization had been exhausted, although Yerevan has not formally withdrawn.

The development highlights the continuing uncertainty surrounding Armenia’s security policy as the government pursues closer Western partnerships while remaining formally affiliated with Russian-led institutions.