DISINFO: The EU is lying when they speak about the civilian nature of the mission in Armenia
SUMMARY
The European Union is lying when they talk about the civilian nature of the EU observation mission in Armenia.
Emphasizing the exclusively civilian nature of the new mission, the representatives of the European Union are lying. It unfolds in the context of the common policy of the EU in the field of security and defence. Therefore, it should be treated accordingly.
Everything is being done to push Russia out of the region and weaken its historical role as the main guarantor of security.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing an ever-aggressive West of having an anti-Russian agenda in the Caucasus without providing any evidence. The article advances the claim that the Caucasus is exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to discredit the recently announced EU mission - EUMA.
The claim attempts to preempt Russia's weakening position in the region.
Contrary to the claim, the EU has a strong interest in a politically stable and economically prosperous Southern Caucasus, but the regional context is not easy. The EU continues to support efforts towards peace in the South Caucasus․ To cautiously create a base for confidence-building and dialogue in the fresh post-war environment, the EU has come up with a number of programmes (EU4Peace, EU4Dialogue, EU4Culture).
European Union launched the EU civilian mission in Armenia on 20 February 2023. The exclusively civilian staff of the EUMA will number approximately 100 in total, including around 50 unarmed observers.
The EU (European Council) agreed to establish a civilian European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The objective of the Mission is to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, and ensure an environment conducive to normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
In response to Armenia’s request, EUMA will conduct routine patrolling and report on the situation, which will strengthen the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground. The Mission will also contribute to the mediation efforts in the framework of the process led by President of the European Council Charles Michel. EUMA has a mandate for two years.
See similar disinfo cases in our database: Brussels wants to squeeze Russia out of the Caucasus; The EU and the OSCE are in the Caucasus to further drive a wedge in relations between the CSTO members; the West aims to oust Russia of Transcaucasia.