Moscow:Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov has indicated that the military alliance may decide on Armenia's withdrawal during its upcoming summit in Moscow next month. Masadykov's remarks, published by Russian state news agency Tass, suggest that Armenia's membership status could be a topic of discussion at the summit scheduled for November 10-11.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Masadykov mentioned that the withdrawal could occur if the issue is brought up at the CSTO summit. He explained that proposals for such decisions are usually submitted by the presiding country or another member state. Masadykov referenced Article 25 of the CSTO Charter, which states that a member state loses its voting rights if membership dues are not paid and quota-based positions remain unfilled.

Masadykov also noted that while Armenia is not actively participating in CSTO sessions, an Armenian representative continues to attend the weekly meetings of the Permanent Council. This representative listens to the discussions and reports back to Armenia's capital, staying informed about the issues and potential decisions being considered.

The CSTO, formed in 2002, includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia. Armenia suspended its participation in CSTO activities in early 2024. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously stated that Armenia does not intend to participate in CSTO activities for the next five years and expressed that an expulsion from the organization would resolve the dilemma of withdrawal.