Kremlin: “Armenia is free to withdraw from CSTO”

Saba

Moscow – Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Armenia is free to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) if it no longer needs its membership.

Speaking at a press briefing, Peskov said Yerevan could make the decision based on its national interests. He also urged Armenia to consider the experiences of Turkey and other countries that have waited decades for EU membership.

Peskov noted that Armenian officials have spoken of freezing CSTO membership, but have not announced plans to withdraw.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would welcome the CSTO expelling Armenia, as this would spare Yerevan the dilemma of deciding whether to remain in or leave the organization.