DISINFO: Armenia stationed mercenaries under the auspices of the EU mission
SUMMARY
The EU must take into account that the mercenaries stationed by Armenia in the border regions under the 'patronage of the EU mission' pose a threat to the lives of the Azerbaijani military and civilian populations.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative by pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia by falsely accusing it of anti-Azerbaijani activities.
The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is a civilian mission that observes and reports on the security situation on the ground, contributes to the security of the people in conflict-affected areas in Armenia, and builds confidence on the ground. It has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs.
Through its presence, EUMA also contributes to ensuring an environment conducive to the normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
The mission was launched in Armenia in response to a request by Armenia. EUMA conducts routine patrolling and reports on the situation, which strengthens the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground.
The claim is unfounded. There are no mercenaries in Armenia. Only the armed forces of Armenia and territorial defence units are stationed on Armenia's border. The Yerkrapah Volunteer Union, which serves as part of the reserve of the army, as well as the reservists, called up once a year for 28-day military training sessions, are involved in border defence.
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