EU Observers Prefer to Be Deployed in Relatively Safe Areas: 'Hraparak'

'Hraparak' newspaper reports that on February 20, a group of 100 civilian observers from the European Union arrived in Armenia, with 50 of them unarmed, while the armament status of the other 50 remains unclear.

It is still not clearly defined what functions the EU observers will perform; it has only been announced that they will 'contribute to stability in border areas, build trust and security for people, and support the creation of an environment for the resolution of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.'

It is known that the observers will be stationed in Armenia for two years, with their operational headquarters located in Yeghengadzor. However, teams have been formed for monitoring in border communities. For example, the group tasked with observing the border areas of Gegharkunik Province has set up base in Martuni city, in one of the hotels located on the outskirts of the town, even though sporadic armed clashes and provocations by Azerbaijan take place in the Vardenis border area. It seems that EU observers have chosen to be deployed in a relatively safer area.

For more details, refer to today's edition of the newspaper.