Armenia, EU agree to expand reconnaissance, observation mission

An agreement on the status of the EU reconnaissance and observation mission, which monitors the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has been signed in Armenia’s capital Yerevan.

The document on strengthening the presence of European observers in Armenia was signed by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan and head of the EU delegation to Armenia Vassilis Maragos, Caliber.Az reports citing the Armenian media.

“This mission has already offered Armenia a lot in terms of stability and security. The status agreement that we have signed today will help clarify cases when it is necessary to regulate various rights and responsibilities of the mission,” the ambassador noted.

He said that the issue of expanding the mission was resolved in Brussels several days ago.

In turn, Paruyr Hovhannisyan noted that it is too early to talk about changing the mandate of observers. Now we are talking about increasing their number, as well as expanding their capabilities.

He recalled that Canada joined the mission from third countries, and other countries also showed interest.

A European mission consisting of 100 people with a two-year mandate was stationed in Armenia on February 20. Its purpose was to promote stability in the border regions of Armenia, build trust on the spot and facilitate the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.