Otherwise, Armenia Will Lose Its Voting Rights: Zakharova

Member countries of the CSTO that do not fulfill their financial obligations to the organization may lose their voting rights. This statement was made by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, while commenting on the situation surrounding Armenia within the framework of the organization.

Zakharova emphasized that funding for the CSTO is mandatory for all participant countries and that the organization’s budget is formed based on proportional contributions. The diplomat clarified that the debt accumulated over two years could serve as a basis for the specified funds. This approach is similar to practices in the UN.

“Russia covers half of the CSTO budget, while other participants pay 10% each. There is no provision for refusal or delay of payments; the funds not transferred within the current year become debt,” she noted.

Zakharova added that if an accumulating debt reaches two years, the member state could be deprived of its voting rights in the CSTO. According to Zakharova, this mechanism is akin to the regulations in the UN.