[ad_1]
Yesterday, on February 20, the European Union launched an EU civilian mission in Armenia (EUMA), at the country’s borders with Azerbaijan.
Through a statement, the EU announced that this mission aims to contribute to peace and stability at the borders zones of Armenia and to create trust and human security in the areas affected by the conflict, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports
At the same time, it will provide a favorable environment for normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
The EU also stressed that the exclusively civilian staff of the mission will consist of around 100 people, including around 50 unarmed observers as well.
“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,” the statement reads.
In a statement issued a month ago, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that EUMA will carry out routine patrols and report on the situation and this will strengthen the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground.
Borrell added that the mission will also contribute to mediation efforts within the process led by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
On December 27 last year, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia invited the EU to establish a civilian CSDP mission in Armenia. Meanwhile, on 23 January 2023, the Council adopted a decision establishing the EUMA. As the EU Council explains, EUMA is a neutral and non-executive mission which would last two years.
In October 2022, the Council of the EU deployed more than 40 EU monitoring experts along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border after military clashes were reported in these countries worsening the security situation.
In this regard, the Council of the EU emphasised that after the quadrilateral meeting between President Aliyev, Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Macron and President Michel, it was decided to take this decision, which also aimed to facilitate the restoration of peace and security on the border between the two states.
The same also stated that in order to ensure the immediate deployment of the EU’s monitoring capacity, it was decided that monitoring experts would be temporarily deployed by the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia).
[ad_2]
Source link