DISINFO: EU observers in Armenia are spies controlling Iranian troops
SUMMARY
Russia, Iran and Türkiye oppose the intervention of non-regional forces. i.e. the West, in the South Caucasus.
Tehran fully understands that the activities of EU observers are not directed against Azerbaijan, but are related to control over the possible penetration of Iranian troops into Armenia.
These observers are spies. How many times have they prevented Azerbaijani attacks against Armenia? Never. If Russia's position in the South Caucasus weakens, then Iran will first target these observers to get them to withdraw from the region.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia, accusing it of espionage.
The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is a civilian mission that observes and reports on the security situation on the ground, contributes to the security of the people in conflict-affected areas in Armenia, and builds confidence on the ground. Through its presence, EUMA also contributes to ensuring an environment conducive to the normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
From the very beginning, this exclusively civilian mission has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs.
The mission was launched in Armenia in response to a request by Armenia. EUMA conducts routine patrolling and reports on the situation, which strengthens the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground.
The decision to deploy the EU monitors on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan was made after the September 2022 escalation. The EU has called for and helped a normalisation process. The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) represents a new phase in the EU’s engagement in the South Caucasus.
On 11 December 2023, the EU Foreign Affairs Council decided to expand the mission and increase the number of observers. As HRVP Josep Borrell said: "This is an important increase of the size of the mission, and this is a way of increasing the stability of Armenia’s international border with Azerbaijan."
See similar cases in our database: EU observers in Armenia are employees of Western intelligence services; The purpose of EU monitors in Armenia is to spy on Russian troops; EU mission to Armenia to monitor Russian and Iranian troops; Spying on Iran may be the main purpose of the EU monitors in Iran.