Peskov responds to Pashinyan’s CSTO statement: “They are free to leave”

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has commented on Armenia’s intention to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), TodayPress TV reports.

According to him, if Armenia believes it no longer needs membership in the CSTO, it is free to leave the organization.

“If Yerevan no longer needs membership in such an important organization, it is free to make the appropriate decision and leave the organization,” Peskov said.

He also commented on Armenia’s intention to join the European Union and advised Yerevan to take into account the experience of Türkiye, as well as other countries that applied for EU membership many years ago.

Peskov said that after applying for EU membership, Armenia would have to bring its legislation into line with European standards. This process could create certain contradictions with the standards adopted by the Eurasian Economic Union.

It should be noted that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously said that activities within the CSTO would not be resumed. He said he would be “very happy” if Armenia were expelled from the organization.

Turkan Iskandarli