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Armenia looking at becoming off-bloc state — security chief

"We are listening to the people and are trying to figure out how Armenia can best ensure its security and development, as well as peace in the region," Armen Grigoryab added

BRUSSELS, November 10. /TASS/. Armenia is considering integrating with the European Union or becoming completely independent, not being affiliated with any bloc, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Armen Grigoryab said on Friday.

"I would like to note that Armenia is considering European integration. It is also thinking about becoming an off-bloc state. We are listening to the people and are trying to figure out how Armenia can best ensure its security and development, as well as peace in the region," he told a forum on Armenia’s future.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as well as Armenian foreign ministry officials have repeatedly said that Yerevan is not planning to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russia-led security bloc, at this point, but it has been skipping CSTO events in recent months. Apart from that, Armenia has recalled its ambassador to the organization and has not appointed another one.

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Middle East conflict

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