ArmInfo. The EU stated that the normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not become a hostage to competition between the EU and Russia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano told RIA Novosti. He commented on the reaction of the Russian Foreign Ministry to the launch of a new two-year European mission in Armenia to normalize the region.
At a meeting on January 23, the EU Foreign Ministers approved the establishment of a civilian mission in Armenia to promote stabilization in the border areas, strengthen confidence and normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is expected that the mandate of the mission will be two years, its operational headquarters will be deployed in Armenia.
He stressed that the EU believes that the Russian Federation is mistaken, believing that the role of the EU in the settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is directed against Russia. "Russia has obviously misunderstood the purpose of this mission and continues to misjudge the involvement of the EU in our common neighboring region as directed against Russia. More importantly, this is not Russia's business. The EU mission was launched based on the request and free decision of the authorities Armenia. The EU was also, of course, in contact with the Azerbaijani authorities on this issue," the representative of the European External Action Service explained.
He added that "the EU is also aware of the role played by Russia to stop the clashes in November 2020." " This mission is civilian and will serve as a key element in supporting EU efforts to normalize Armenian- Azerbaijani relations. The EU took on this role after a corresponding request from both sides," the agency's interlocutor said.
He noted that "the purpose of the mission, in particular, is to promote the security of the population on the ground and build confidence. All other rumors and speculation that are being circulated these days in social networks are completely groundless."
As RIA Novosti writes, on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry, commenting on the launch of a new EU mediation mission in Armenia, stated that the deployment of EU representatives in the border regions of Armenia may only bring geopolitical confrontation to the region and exacerbate existing contradictions, EU attempts to oust Russia's mediation efforts in the Transcaucasus may damage the fundamental interests of Armenians and Azerbaijanis and the return of peace to the region. The Foreign Ministry is convinced that the key factor for stability and security in the region for the foreseeable future remains "the Russian peacekeeping contingent deployed on the basis of the statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia dated November 9, 2020, as well as the Russian border guards serving on the Armenian borders." "They will react to the behavior of the EU observers, taking into account the development of the situation" on the ground, "the Foreign Ministry added.