European Union commented on reports about new mission on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Baku/17.01.23/Turan: On January 17, the Armenian media reported that the European Union was preparing to send a long-term mission (2 years) consisting of 200 people to the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Allegedly, the draft decision was adopted by the Policy and Security Committee and approved by the Civil Affairs Committee of the Anti-Crisis Management.

At the request of the Turan agency to the headquarters of the European Union, an answer came from the office of the High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of the EU, which says:

In accordance with the quadripartite agreement reached by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Council of Europe and France in Prague on October 6, 2022, and at the suggestion of High Representative Borrel, the EU sent an Observation Mission to Armenia (EUMCAP) to monitor the situation on the ground. During the two-month mandate, 40 EU experts monitored and carried out more than 175 patrols which contributed to the stabilization of the situation.

As a next step in the EU's involvement in the South Caucasus, a transition planning assistance group is currently deployed. It sets the stage for a possible longer-term EU mission to Armenia to promote sustainable peace in the region. The EU will continue its involvement in supporting de-escalation efforts, and is committed to working closely with both sides for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict." -16B-