I had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Vassilis Maragos, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union in Armenia, Silvia Maria Zehe, Political Advisor to the EUSR and Maria PAPAMICHAIL, Political Officer of the EU Delegation to Armenia․ During our discourse, I took the opportunity to provide insights into the evolving situation in Tavush, with particular emphasis on the complexities surrounding delimitation and demarcation efforts stemming from that region. I expressed my concern for the fate of the Armenian 7th-century Holy Astvatsatsin Church in Voskepar.
Although the Deputy Prime Minister’s office conveyed that it would remain within the territory of Armenia, this assertion lacks credibility. We heard a similar promise regarding Dadivank Church after the Artsakh war, when they said the road to Dadivank would remain on the Armenian side and we would have unhindered access, but it did not happen. I raised the issue of the European Union observers, who consist of 2,000 patrols. As they reside in safer locations, it is impossible for them to observe the situation and be present at the scene during shootings: they respond hours or even a day after an incident occurs. Turning our attention to the plight of Artsakh Armenians, I underscored the imperative of their safe return under the protective umbrella of robust international guarantees, ensuring their well-being and rights are upheld. We discussed the issue of visa liberalization, during which I mentioned that Armenians often encounter difficulties in obtaining visas. I also addressed the threats to democracy during Nikol Pashinyan’s tenure, including the issue of political prisoners in Armenia.
The Ambassador commented that the EU attaches fundamental importance to the Alma-Ata declaration as a basis for demarcation and delimitation between the parties and welcomes the start of this process. As regards EU Monitoring Capacity in Armenia, Mr. Maragos emphasized that they are focusing on the implementation of their mandate supporting peace and stability, and their presence has already produced very concrete results in terms of reduction of incidents. “This is a civilian mission. They monitor the situation on the basis of their mandate. Additionally, in upholding the rule of law in a democratic society, those entrusted with the task of policing society, must themselves be subject to accountability before the law. The EU is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Human Rights Defender’s office”: mentioned the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the EU in his speech.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of RA, whose powers have been illegally terminated, nonpartisan MP TAGUHI TOVMASYAN
