Zakharova: De jure, Yerevan remains a full member of the CSTO
Moscow does not question the sovereign right of each state to determine its foreign policy, including regarding participation in CSTO events and further work in the organization. De jure, Yerevan remains a full member of the CSTO and retains all relevant rights and obligations. This was stated by the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova, commenting on Armenia's latest refusal to participate in the upcoming summit of the organization's leaders in Astana.
"We expect that in the interests of the future security of a friendly country, and indeed the entire region, our partnership with Armenia within the CSTO will be fully resumed. We confirm that at this stage the doors are open for Yerevan to return to full-scale cooperation in the CSTO. We expect that our Armenian partners, having overcome their doubts, will resume joint work," Zakharova said.
The day before, Yerevan again refused to participate in the CSTO summit. On June 12, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the country would leave the pro-Russian bloc, but did not give a specific time frame. He has also repeatedly voiced Armenia's intention to become a candidate for EU membership.
