The Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, Peter Stano, has dismissed the criticism from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev against the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and the accusations of “militarization” in Armenia as baseless. Stano emphasized that the EUMA is an unarmed, civilian mission that operates solely on the Armenian side of the border, as requested by Armenian authorities.
Stano highlighted the mission’s positive impact on promoting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and clarified that the EU is not aware of any militarization in Armenia. He emphasized Armenia’s sovereign right to work on its defense capabilities and choose its partners.
Stano also mentioned the EU’s support for Armenia under the European Peace Facility (EPF), aiming to enhance civilian protection in crises. He stressed the EU’s impartiality in maintaining relationships with both Armenia and Azerbaijan to support the normalization process.
Furthermore, Stano noted the EU’s significant contributions to demining in Azerbaijan and reiterated the EU’s commitment to fostering long-lasting peace between the two countries.