The CSTO budget for the current year requires adjustments due to the refusal of the Armenian leadership to make an assessed contribution, the Russian Foreign Ministry told RIA Novosti.
Earlier, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ani Badalyan announced Yerevan’s intention to refrain from joining the decision of the CSTO Collective Security Council dated November 23, 2023 “On the CSTO Budget 2024” and participating in financing the Organization’s activities.
“The relevant draft decision of the Collective Security Council is currently being worked out. At the same time, there is no question of redistributing contributions,” the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
The ministry explained that the CSTO Secretariat and the CSTO Joint Headquarters have reduced the expenditure part due to the withdrawal by Yerevan or “non-appointment of their employees to quota positions.” The Secretariat will also use the available reserves to continue working normally.
Moscow proceeds from the fact that Yerevan retains financial obligations in accordance with the CSTO Charter. This was confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry, stressing that the financial discipline of international organizations is maintained regardless of the desire of one of the parties to suspend or terminate its membership.
