**Armenia Refuses to Pay CSTO Contributions**
Armenia has stopped paying its share of the budget for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance led by Russia. This decision was made after Armenia suspended its participation in the alliance last August.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry announced on March 31 that the country will no longer sign or participate in financing CSTO activities. This is the latest step taken by Armenia to distance itself from the Russian-led security alliance.
**What is CSTO?**
CSTO was established in 2002 and includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Russia is the most powerful member of the alliance. Armenia had previously suspended its participation in CSTO at all levels, citing dissatisfaction with Russia’s performance.
**Armenia Turns to West**
Armenia has been disappointed with Russia’s handling of a conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh. In response, Yerevan has turned to new partners for support, including the European Union and the United States. The Armenian parliament recently passed a bill on starting the process of accession to the EU.
**US-Armenia Strategic Partnership**
In January, the US Secretary of State and Armenia’s Foreign Minister signed a strategic partnership commission charter between the two countries. This agreement aims to expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic cooperation, security, and democracy.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com