Thursday, July 20 2023 12:24

ArmInfo. Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has posted the following Twitter message: 

"We welcome the initiative of Canada to become part of European Union  Mission in Armenia and view it as an important contribution for the  Mission's role in enhancing stability and peace in the South  Caucasus," 

The European Union launched an EU civilian mission in Armenia (EU  Mission in Armenia / EUMA) under its Common Security and Defence  Policy (CSDP).

The EUMA is a neutral and non-executive mission, which will have a  two-year mandate, and was formally established by the European   Council decision on 23 January 2023. 

The Mission is deployed on the Armenian side of the  Armenia-Azerbaijan border and will 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 total - exclusively civilian - staff of the EUMA is approximately  one hundred persons, including around fifty unarmed observers.

The Operational Headquarters of the mission is in Yeghegnadzor, in  Armenia's Vayots Dzor province.  EEAS Managing Director of  Civilian  Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) Stefano Tomat serves as the  Civilian Operation Commander, while Markus Ritter serves as Head of  Mission.

EUMA was preceded by an EU Monitoring Capacity in Armenia (EUMCAP).   The latter had deployed EU observers from the EU Monitoring Mission  in Georgia from 20 October until 19 December 2022.

On January 23, the EU Council agreed to establish a civilian European   Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the Common Security and Defence   Policy (CSDP).

The objective of the Mission is to contribute to stability in the    border areas of Armenia, building confidence on the ground, and    ensuring an environment conducive to normalisation efforts between  Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.

"The establishment of an EU Mission in Armenia launches a new phase    in the EU's engagement in the South Caucasus. The EU will continue to    support de-escalation efforts and is committed to work closely with    both sides towards the ultimate goal of sustainable peace in the    region," Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and    Security Policy, said.