Russia's Reaction to Sending EU Mission to Armenia-Azerbaijan Border

The initiative to deploy a European Union civilian mission at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border is yet another attempt to push Russia out of the conflict resolution process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This statement was made today by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing.

"Building bilateral relations is the responsibility of sovereign states," Zakharova emphasized, adding that Europe has not considered the consequences of this action on regional stability.

According to Zakharova, EU missions have yet to lead to real resolutions. She recalled the example of Ukraine, noting that after eight years of mediation, Germany and France were unable to prevent the escalation of the situation surrounding Ukraine.

"The only key to reconciliation between Yerevan and Baku, establishing stable peace and long-term stability in the region is the full implementation of the trilateral statements made by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia," the Foreign Ministry representative stated.

She highlighted that the Russian side regularly meets with Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts regarding this issue. Moscow expects to also take advantage of the opportunities arising within the framework of the upcoming meeting of the CIS foreign ministers council in Astana.

It is noteworthy that on October 7, during a meeting in Prague between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, French President Emmanuel Macron, and President of the European Council Charles Michel, an agreement was reached to deploy a EU civilian mission at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The mission is set to commence its activities in October, for a maximum duration of two months.