US Comments on Russia's Statement Regarding EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia

The United States supports peaceful negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We welcome the efforts of partners, including the European Union, to build confidence in the region and facilitate direct dialogue between Yerevan and Baku. This was stated by State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel while commenting on the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement about the EU monitoring mission in Armenia.

“In particular, regarding Russia's role, the US did not participate in the establishment of a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in November 2020, facilitated by Russia, which led to the deployment of Russian peacekeepers. Therefore, I just have nothing to suggest on this occasion. But, of course, as you know, this is a very important issue for the Secretary, to which he pays close attention,” he added.

It is worth recalling that the Russian Foreign Ministry had addressed the EU monitoring mission in Armenia yesterday, stating that attempts to undermine Russia's mediation efforts in the South Caucasus could harm the fundamental interests of Armenians and Azerbaijanis and hinder the return of peace to the region. “The presence of EU representatives in border regions of Armenia, transformed into an adjunct of the US and NATO, pursuing a confrontation policy in the CIS, can only bring geopolitical confrontation to the region and escalate existing conflicts. The declared civilian nature of the EU mission should not mislead anyone; it is being formed within the framework of the EU's common security and defense policy, with all consequent implications,” it noted.