If Armenia no longer needs membership in the CSTO, it is free to leave, Peskov

If Armenia sees no need for membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) anymore, it can make the appropriate decision and withdraw from the alliance. This was stated by Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president.

“If Yerevan no longer considers its membership in this important organization to be necessary, it is free to make that decision and leave. So far, we have heard statements at various levels indicating that membership is frozen, but they have not yet withdrawn,” Peskov said.

He also addressed Armenia's potential application for membership in the European Union, noting that experience from Turkey and other countries shows that it can take decades from applying to actual membership.

According to Peskov, after submitting an application for EU membership, Armenia will have to align its legislation with EU norms, which do not align with the EAEU regulations on several issues. He assessed that the resulting contradictions could primarily harm Armenia itself.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia does not plan to activate its work in the CSTO in the next five years. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding Armenia's possible withdrawal from the organization, and he would be “very pleased” if that happens.

Pashinyan also mentioned that Yerevan intends to submit an application for EU membership soon, describing the process as complex and extensive.