Armenia’s Foreign Ministry has not clarified whether the European Union’s monitoring mission will withdraw from Armenia following the signing of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, Factor.am reports.
The ministry noted only that the EU’s permanent civilian mission is currently operating normally in Armenia.
“In response to your question, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addressed the matter during the March 14 session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, the day after announcing agreement on the peace treaty text. He stated that once the treaty is signed, ratified, and enters into force, Armenia and its EU partners will find acceptable, mutually beneficial solutions regarding continued cooperation on the civilian mission,” the ministry responded.
Previously, an EU foreign affairs spokesperson confirmed the mission will continue its operations in Armenia, and any changes to its mandate will be discussed between Yerevan and Brussels.
According to Article 7 of the draft peace agreement signed in Washington, both sides commit not to allow the deployment of any third-country forces along the shared border. The agreement also outlines coordinated measures to be taken before border delimitation and demarcation, aimed at enhancing security and building trust, especially in the military sphere.
As for the possible withdrawal of Russian border guards, the MFA clarified that Armenia is consistently strengthening its institutional capabilities to safeguard its borders.
The ministry also noted that the deployment of Russian border guards along the Armenia–Turkey and Armenia–Iran borders is governed by a 1992 bilateral agreement between Armenia and Russia, which regulates the status and conditions of the Russian Border Guard presence in Armenia.
EU civilian monitors arrived in Armenia on February 20, 2023. In January 2024, a decision was made to extend the mission by two more years, meaning it is currently mandated to operate until February 19, 2027. Baku has repeatedly criticized the mission, accusing it of “espionage” and “telescope diplomacy.” The EU mission has categorically denied all such accusations.
Following the preliminary signing of the peace treaty, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Alexey Fadeev stated that any reopening of transport routes through Syunik Province should consider the continued presence of Russian border guards.
