Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Armenia does not plan to resume active participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) over the next five years and would welcome a decision to expel the country from the bloc.

Speaking during a National Assembly session as lawmakers discussed the government’s five-year programme, Pashinyan said Yerevan had no intention of intensifying its engagement with the CSTO, News.am reports.

“I can say with confidence that we do not intend to intensify our work within the CSTO,” Pashinyan said in response to questions from lawmakers.

The Armenian prime minister noted that discussions over the country’s status are continuing within the organization. He also pointed to the CSTO charter, which provides for the possibility of expelling a member state.

“I would be very pleased if the organization decided to expel the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

He added that such a decision would remove the dilemma of whether Armenia should leave the organization itself.

Relations between Yerevan and the CSTO have deteriorated significantly in recent years. Armenia has repeatedly accused the security bloc of failing to meet its obligations, while suspending its participation in CSTO activities.