To quit CSTO, notice should be sent at least 6 months in advance, says Russia MFA spox

The question of whether Armenia will quit the CSTO or not should be addressed to official Yerevan, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a press briefing on Friday.

“We still do not question the sovereign right of our Armenian colleagues to independently determine their foreign policy, including in the context of further work in the CSTO. Let me remind you that Article 19 of the Organization’s Charter gives the possibility to quit the association. In this case, after settling its obligations within the CSTO, the state must send an official notice at least six months before the date of withdrawal. As far as we know, despite the constant accusations against the organization, no new steps have been taken with regard to membership. Therefore, Armenia continues to be a full-fledged member and must fulfill its obligations,” Zakharova said.

She expressed confidence that, in any case, the CSTO remains an effective structure responsible for ensuring security in Eurasia and its member states.