Tensions Rise as Armenia Looks to Exit Russian-Led Security Pact

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that no Armenian officials would visit Belarus while Alexander Lukashenko is in power. Pashinyan criticized the Russia-led security bloc, the CSTO, and hinted at Armenia leaving the group unless Belarus apologizes. Armenia has recalled its ambassador from Belarus for consultations.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that no Armenian officials would visit Belarus while its leader Alexander Lukashenko is still in power, Russia's RIA state news agency reported on Thursday.

Pashinyan said on Wednesday that Yerevan would leave a Russia-led security bloc after accusing its members, which include Belarus, of having planned a war against his country with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan said he would consider changing his stance on leaving the bloc, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, if Belarus apologised to Armenia or withdrew from the grouping.

Later on Thursday, Armenia ordered its ambassador in Belarus to return to Yerevan for consultations, Russia's TASS state news agency cited the foreign ministry as saying.

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