EU mission observer found dead in Armenian hotel

An observer of the EU mission in Armenia has been found dead in a hotel in Armenia’s capital Yerevan.

The observer’s body was discovered under unexplained circumstances, and preliminary reports indicate that the cause of death was a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, Caliber.Az reported, citing Armenian media.

The EU's long-term mission in Armenia was deployed on February 20, 2023, for a duration of two years and initially consisted of 100 personnel. In December 2023, the EU announced an expansion of the mission to 209 members, up from the original 138. In March 2024, Armenia's parliament ratified an agreement with the EU regarding the mission's status. This agreement grants observers immunity and privileges, including protection from detention and arrest. In late January, the EU Council decided to extend the mission’s mandate for an additional two years, until February 19, 2027.

By Naila Huseynova