Today, the European Union has started monitoring the situation on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The official website of the European Union presented details about the observation mission deployed in Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan.
Why is the EU sending a monitoring mission to Armenia?
The EU monitoring mission responds to the agreement reached in the four-way meeting between President Aliyev, Prime Minister Pashinyan, French President Macron, and European Council President Michel. At the suggestion of High Representative Josep Borel, on October 17, the Council of Foreign Relations decided to create an EU monitoring mission. The first EU observers have been on the ground since October 20. The mission's mandate is to monitor the situation in the border regions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, helping to build trust between the two countries and allowing the EU to support the work of border commissions.
What exactly is the EU monitoring capacity going to do in Armenia?
EU monitoring capacity in Armenia will accomplish two main tasks: 1) to support confidence-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan by monitoring the observance of the ceasefire by both sides and 2) through regular and timely reports on ceasefire-related developments on the ground, the EU team will monitor the situation in the border areas between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Where exactly will the monitoring mission be located?
The zone of responsibility covers the Armenian side of the internationally recognized border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Is EU monitoring potential a military mission?
No. Only civilian observers will be deployed.
What does the EU monitoring mission consist of?
It consists of up to 40 EU civilian monitoring experts who will be seconded for two months.
Will a similar EU monitoring mission be deployed in Azerbaijan?
No. EU monitoring capacity will be located on the Armenian side of the internationally recognized border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
What was the role of the mission of the technical evaluation team that arrived in Armenia on October 14?
The technical assessment mission of EU experts in Armenia aimed to pave the way for deploying EU monitoring capabilities in the country. His role was gathering necessary information, assessing on the spot, and liaising with relevant stakeholders.
What will the EU monitoring mission between Armenia and Azerbaijan observe?
EU observers will provide information on developments along the border, including human rights developments. It will not assume the role of a judge.
Will the EU monitoring mission draw conclusions about which side started the escalation on September 13 and recommend steps to prevent further escalation?
The mission will not conclude with a political nature but will convey its observations on the situation to the European structures and services.
Do the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE Assessment Mission cooperate?
These are two separate missions with two different mandates. The EU monitoring mission will contact all relevant international organizations, including the OSCE.
Is the EU monitoring mission the only way the EU is helping to de-escalate tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
The EU is closely involved in the peace process between the two sides.
