Moscow expressed dissatisfaction with increase in number of operational centers of EU observation mission in Armenia

Baku/15.06.23/Turan: The true background of the EU policy in the South Caucasus is the squeezing of Russia from Transcaucasia, turning the region into an arena of geopolitical confrontation. This is how the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, reacted to the message about the increase in the number of operational centers of the EU observation mission in Armenia.

"The launch of the mission, whose goal was to promote normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan, took place unilaterally, on a non-consensual basis, without the consent of the Azerbaijani side and other regional players and without proper accountability. This only confirms the true background of the EU policy in the region, the main thing for which is to squeeze Russia out of Transcaucasia, turning the South Caucasus into an arena of geopolitical confrontation to the detriment of the fundamental interests of the peoples living here," Zakharova said in a comment published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

To her thinking, the non-accountability of the EU mission to Baku and Yerevan reinforces suspicions that there is a "hidden agenda" of Brussels in the region, this raises questions not only from Moscow. "There is no "added value" from the dubious activity of the EES "experts" in the area of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Moreover, they are unable to ensure security and compliance with the ceasefire agreements reached with the decisive role of Russian mediation. The presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent remains a real guarantee of peace in the region," Zakharova said.

"The development of the situation proves once again that the most stable and long-term basis for the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization and overall improvement of the situation in Transcaucasia is the consistent implementation of the trilateral agreements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020, January 11, November 26, 2021 and October 31, 2022, including on unblocking all transport and economic ties, delimitation and demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, coordination of the parameters of the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia," the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed.

Earlier, the head of the EU observer mission in Armenia announced that in the coming months it is planned to open three additional points, operational centers for monitoring the border with Azerbaijan. Markus Ritter said that they will be located in Gafan, Ijevan and Yeghegnadzor. -06B-