CSTO to Reassess 2024 Budget as Armenia Refuses to Pay Calculated Contributions: Russian Foreign Ministry

The CSTO's budget for the current year requires adjustments as the Armenian leadership has decided to refuse payment of the calculated contribution. This was reported to RIA Novosti by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Earlier, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan stated that Yerevan intends to refrain from joining the Collective Security Council's decision on the CSTO's 2024 budget, scheduled for November 23, 2023, and from participating in financing the organization's activities.

'A draft decision of the Collective Security Council is currently being prepared. However, there is no talk of reallocating investments,' the Russian diplomatic agency noted.

The ministry clarified that the CSTO Secretariat and the CSTO Joint Staff have reduced the expenditure section due to Yerevan's failure to appoint its staff to quota positions. The Secretariat will also utilize existing reserves to continue operations smoothly.

Moscow proceeds from the assumption that Yerevan will maintain its financial obligations in accordance with the CSTO Charter. This has been reaffirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasizing that financial discipline in international organizations is maintained regardless of one party's desire to suspend or terminate its membership.