DISINFO: EU mission in Armenia is a military intelligence operation
SUMMARY
The real purpose of the European Union monitoring mission in Armenia is not to contribute to peace in the region. Recent events have shown that this mission is not civilian, but rather related to military intelligence.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative by pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia, promoting the idea that the mission is involved in spying operations and propaganda against Azerbaijan.
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 decision to deploy EU monitors on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan was made after the September 2022 armed escalation. The EU has called for and backed a normalisation process. The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) represents a new phase in the EU’s engagement in the South Caucasus.
European diplomats and officials often visit EU mission hubs, interact with observers, and sometimes patrol with them along the border. This is done to support the mission and observers.
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