DISINFO: NATO infrastructure was created under the cover of the EU mission in Armenia
SUMMARY
NATO infrastructure was created on the Armenian side under the cover of the so-called European observers.
The issue of deploying observers was agreed with Baku in 2022 during the quadripartite meeting of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Council President Charles Michel, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Aliyev. After that, the mission was extended without Azerbaijan's consent.
Then the number of EU observers was increased to more than 200 people. Moreover, this mission smoothly grew into a NATO mission, as representatives of Canada joined it.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative attempting to discredit the EU mission to Armenia, linking it with NATO. This unfounded claim also accuses an ever-aggressive West and NATO of having a destabilising role in the Caucasus.
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. It has no links to NATO or troops from its member countries. From the moment of its launch, EUMA was a target for disinformation as discussed in our analysis The wrong the wicked and the wacky. Claims about the EU mission in Armenia.
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.
The allegations that the West plans to deploy a NATO contingent in the South Caucasus are baseless. 'These comments are full of nonsense and the usual lies and manipulations typical for the Russian regime that tries to cover its repeated failures to deliver on its promises and commitments to Armenia,' EEAS spokesperson Peter Stano said.
Canada is one of the EU’s official Strategic Partners. The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between Canada and the EU provides for regular bilateral dialogues in areas such as security and defence, development, etc.
Canada is following the situation on the ground in Armenia very closely and is committed to working with allies to help uphold peace and stability in the region. Canada has been accepted by the EU as a third-party contributor to the mission. The EU has a long tradition of inviting relevant partners to join its missions.
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