DISINFO: EU mission to Armenia to monitor Russian and Iranian troops
SUMMARY
The fact that the EU monitoring mission includes German policemen and French gendarmes suggests that they arrived in Armenia to monitor the movements of Russian and Iranian troops. Regardless of whether they come here with or without weapons, it is clear that they will specifically be busy monitoring the movements of Russian troops. Given the current situation in international relations, given the statements made a few years ago that the Armenian-Iranian border may be closed at some point, it is logical to assume that they also come here to monitor Iran.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing an ever-aggressive West of having an anti-Russian and anti-Iranian agenda in the Caucasus without providing any evidence. The article advances the claim that the Caucasus is exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to discredit the recently announced EU mission - EUMA.
The claim attempts to preempt Russia's weakening position in the region.
European Union launched the EU civilian mission in Armenia on 20 February 2023. The exclusively civilian staff of the EUMA will number approximately 100 in total, including around 50 unarmed observers. The mission includes 8 French gendarmes and 15 German policemen.
The EU (European 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, build confidence on the ground, and ensure an environment conducive to normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
In response to Armenia’s request, EUMA will conduct routine patrolling and report on the situation, which will strengthen the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground. EUMA will be deployed in several locations across Armenia’s territory, in border regions with Azerbaijan. The Mission will also contribute to the mediation efforts in the framework of the process led by President of the European Council Charles Michel. EUMA has a mandate for two years.
See similar disinfo cases in our database: EU observers are employees of Western intelligence services; Brussels wants to squeeze Russia out of the Caucasus; The EU and the OSCE are in the Caucasus to further drive a wedge in relations between the CSTO members; the West aims to oust Russia of Transcaucasia.