Dzhabarov explains what Armenia risks because of its attitude toward the CSTO

Armenia’s attitude toward the CSTO puts it at risk of losing its most loyal and reliable allies, Russia and the organization’s other member states, Vladimir Dzhabarov, a Russian senator, told RIA Novosti.

On Wednesday, the CSTO countries decided to apply to Armenia Article 25 of the organization’s Charter, which provides for the suspension of voting rights. Taalatbek Masadykov, the organization’s secretary general, said Armenia’s participation in the CSTO could be restored as soon as it settles the issue of its unpaid dues, but that the decision rests with the country’s leadership.

“Armenia is playing for time, unable to make up its mind, because by the end of the year they have to decide on a referendum on whether to join the European Union or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union. I think Armenia’s current leaders are playing with fire, in the sense that they may thereby lose their most loyal and reliable, natural… allies in Russia and other CSTO countries,” Dzhabarov said.

Commenting on the CSTO countries’ decision regarding Yerevan, the senator said the organization’s members had acted correctly, in accordance with the charter.

“Armenia pointedly does not take part in any events and does not pay its dues. They keep saying that they consider themselves to have already left the CSTO altogether, although no one has filed an official notice,” the parliamentarian concluded.