CSTO

Armenia signals intention to quit Russian-led security bloc.

Yerevan continues to distance itself from Moscow’s CSTO, a six-nation military alliance.

Departure coincides with Western efforts to lure Armenia, Azerbaijan’s perennial foe, away from its longstanding alliance with Moscow.

Prime minister reiterates claims that Moscow-led security bloc has failed to ensure his country’s security.

Yerevan drew Moscow’s ire last year when it hosted elements of the U.S. Army for joint military exercises.

Moscow’s top diplomat accuses Armenia of trading its ‘time-tested alliance’ with Russia for ‘vague promises from the West.’

However, in another sign of strained ties, Yerevan declined to take part in last week’s CSTO summit in Minsk.

The move by Yerevan comes after several months of deteriorating relations with its nominal ally Russia.

After Vladimir Putin visits Kazakhstan, a key Russian ally, foreign minister accuses ‘collective West’ of meddling in Russia’s backyard.

Yerevan endorses International Criminal Court, which earlier this year issued arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Armenian leader questions ties with Russia following Azerbaijan’s successful offensive in the Karabakh region.