The Armenian government has sent a formal request to the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) head office in Moscow to replace Yuri Khachatryan, a former Armenian deputy defense minister charged with “usurping state power” in March 2008, as secretary general.

Armenia is a member of the Russia-led security body that was formed in 1992.

Armenian Foreign Ministry Press Spokesman Tigran Balayan confirmed the news to Hetq but gave no details as to the replacement protocol and whether Armenia could nominate its own candidate.

Armenian Prime Minister today called Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the two discussed the charge levied against Khachatryan.