The settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not become a hostage to the competition between the European Union and the Russian Federation, Peter Stano, Lead spokesperson for the external affairs of EU, told ‘RIA Novosti’, commenting on the reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia regarding the launch of a two-year European mission in Armenia for the purpose of regional settlement.
“The settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not become hostage to any competition between different actors,” said Stano.
He emphasized that the Russian Federation is mistaken, considering that the EU's role in the settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is directed against Russia.
“Russia clearly misunderstood the purpose of this mission and continues to misjudge the EU's involvement in the region as a move against Russia. The more important thing is that it is not Russia’s business. The EU mission was launched based on the request and free decision of the Armenian authorities. Of course, the EU has also been in contact with the authorities of Azerbaijan on this issue,” the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said.
He added that the EU is also aware of the role Russia played in ending the war in the November 2020.
“The EU mission is civilian and will play a key role in supporting the EU’s efforts to normalize Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. The EU assumed that role after the respective request of both sides,” Stano noted.
On January 23, the EU Council approved the creation of a civilian mission in Armenia, which will contribute to stabilization in the border zones, strengthening of trust and normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mission has a two-year mandate. It is expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks.
