BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 24. The start of the
activities of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia poses direct
threats to peace and security in the region, Azerbaijani political
expert Sahil Karimli told AZERTAG, Trend reports.
According to Karimli, a clear example of such threats is the
shelling of the Azerbaijani Army’s positions both from the
territory of Armenia and from the Azerbaijani territories
temporarily stationed by Russian peacekeepers [in accordance with a
trilateral statement signed between Azerbaijani, Armenian and
Russian leaders following the second Karabakh war], just a day
after the arrival of the EU mission in the region.
He noted that the Azerbaijani state has repeatedly stated that
it is unacceptable to send observers from Europe to Armenia since
this step can further aggravate the situation in the region in this
already vulnerable period.
Besides, according to the expert, the processes have shown that
Azerbaijan is absolutely right in its position.
Armenia, relying on the EU monitoring mission sent to the region
under the guise of a civilian mission, but in fact, began to act
for provocative purposes, continues to threaten Azerbaijan. The
Armenian leadership seems to consider the EU mission as a shield
for itself, Karimli said.
“It’s no secret that Armenia draws this courage from European
circles and from the representatives they send to the region. The
Azerbaijani army has been very harsh in the past in suppressing
Armenia’s military provocations, and henceforth, any threats will
also be given an adequate response. Armenia should not think that
her actions will go unpunished. No one can save her,” he pointed
out.
Karimli also spoke about the indifference of the Iranian
authorities regarding the arrival of the EU mission in the
region.
“It’s surprising that Iran, which at other times called the
border with Armenia its ‘red line’, neglects the fact that armed
Europeans have reached its borders. As can be seen, the feeling of
hostility towards Azerbaijan blinded the regime of the mullahs,” he
commented.
“At the same time, Russia doesn’t take serious steps against the
deployment of the EU mission in Armenia. Regardless of what games
are being played in the region or what provocative plans are being
made, the Azerbaijani state is demonstrating its resolute
position,” the expert noted.
“Azerbaijan is ready for any scenario. If Armenia continues
provocations, it will receive an adequate response,” added
Karimli.
The EU launched its civilian mission in Armenia (EU Mission in
Armenia / EUMA) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
on February 20, 2023.
According to the European Commission, the exclusively civilian
staff of the EUMA will include 100 members, with around 50 unarmed
observers.
EEAS Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct
Capability (CPCC) Stefano Tomat will serve as the Civilian
Operation Commander, while Markus Ritter will serve as the Head of
Mission.
Meanwhile, the mission’s initial mandate will last for two
years.
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