Moscow Voices ‘Regret’ Over Armenian Decision to Skip Russia-Led CSTO Summit

The Kremlin has voiced its “regret” over Armenia’s reported decision not to take part in an upcoming summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a six-nation military bloc led by Moscow. “If it’s true, then it’s regretful,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Nov. 14. “We understand heads of state and government have their own work schedules and circumstances,” he said. “But it’s unfortunate.” The summit is slated to be held in Minsk, capital of CSTO member Belarus, on Nov. 23. According to press reports, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced his decision to skip the summit in a phone call with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko....