ArmInfo.Russia cannot comment in detail on the statements coming from Brussels. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on February 28 at a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov, when asked to comment on the statement of the EU Special Representative on the upcoming meeting of representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels.
"We see how the EU openly uses its relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan, promoting its so-called mission in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which raises serious doubts in terms of legitimacy. There are many questions to it, including from the point of view of functions, mandate, duration, added value that it can contribute to efforts to normalize relations between countries>, the Russian Foreign Minister said.
However, he continued, it is the sovereign choice of the parties with whom to cooperate and with whom not to cooperate.
<In all our actions, we are guided by the principle "Do no harm" and promote such a solution to problems, which would be based, firstly, on the principled agreements of the three leaders, within the framework of their four statements, and secondly, would ensure mutually beneficial and mutually respectful cooperation between all countries of the region.
Not all players, especially those who are far from the Arava Caucasus, are guided by the same principles. They want to work here not in favor of someone, but against someone. We see it, but I am sure that the countries involved in the process also see it>, Lavrov emphasized.
He also noted that he leaves on the conscience of the Armenian leader all the statements made on the part of the EU mission.
In turn, Bayramov noted that the first phase of the EU civil mission (in October - December last year - ed. note) was agreed with the Azerbaijani side and was temporary - two months and had two goals - strengthening confidence building measures and promoting border delimitation. He noted that both goals were not realized, and the position of Armenia allegedly became more destructive with the start of this mission. At the same time, he stressed that this mission was not agreed with the Azerbaijani side.
The EUMA was formally established by a Council Decision on 23 January 2023. Through its deployment on the Armenian side of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, it aims to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence and human security in conflict affected areas, and ensure an environment conducive to the normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU. The exclusively civilian staff of the EUMA will number approximately 100 in total, including around 50 unarmed observers. The mission's operational headquarters will be in Yeghegnadzor, in the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. EEAS Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), Stefano Tomat, will serve as the Civilian Operation Commander, while Markus Ritter will serve as the Head of Mission.