“2022 was a busy year from the point of view of Armenia-EU relations. First, it was the mediation efforts of the EU in our region, which is clear proof of the deployment of a monitoring mission in Armenia for two months on October 21, 2022, which later turned into a longer-term format,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Paruyr Hovhannisyan announced at the session of the NA European Integration Committee. According to him, the EU observation mission significantly contributed to stabilizing the region’s security situation and the EU member states’ awareness of the case. “It also created a psychological element for the population to feel safer. There was also an increase in mutual visits.
Agnesa Khamoyan, deputy of the “Hayastan” faction, asked: “In the context of worsening relations between the West and the Russian Federation, assessments were made from both sides regarding the arrival of the EU observation mission to Armenia. Russia perceives it as a step taken against it. And there are assessments from the West that it is also a restraining circumstance for the Russian Federation. If you say, it contributed, what is your assessment of such assessments? What should we do in order not to fall into that tension? What do you mean by contributing? ”
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Paruyr Hovhannisyan answered that the deployment of the EU mission really raised specific questions. “We continue to explain what were the reason and the purpose of the mission. Iran is also sensitive to such regional missions and has responded positively. That shows that the perception is different in the case of explanatory work, and we must continue to work and work harder with other partners.” As for the word “contribute,” Paruyr Hovhannisyan said: “The number of provocations at the border has somewhat decreased. It played a role in preventing a more considerable provocation. I don’t have numbers, but the number of provocations has reduced. Of course, we cannot present facts, but that is our assessment.
On the other hand, the presence of any international organization creates a sense of security among the residents.” Agnesa Khamoyan asked how he would rate Russia’s understanding on a scale of 0-10, as Russia has been assessing the EU mission until now. Paruyr Hovhannisyan answered: “We are aware of Russia’s sensitive attitude; the issue will be discussed soon during the visit of the Foreign Minister to Moscow.” To remind you, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the other day that there is a great danger of escalation around RA and Artsakh.
Luiza SUKIASYAN
