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As is known, the Azerbaijani side has in many cases clearly expressed its position on some approaches and actions towards our region by the European Union, and in particular by some of its member states. The fact is that the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia was initiated by the Azerbaijani side, where it has always shown a constructive attitude to all issues of post-conflict normalization. Furthermore, during the Prague quadrilateral meeting on 6 October 2022, the Azerbaijani side was asked to give its consent to the deployment of an EU Short-term Monitoring Capacity (EUMCAP), consisting of 40 EU civilian monitoring experts throughout on the Armenian side of the demarcated border, which was supposed to contribute to building trust between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Unfortunately, after the first two-month mandate, without Azerbaijan's agreement, EUMCAP was transformed into the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), with a significantly extended mandate and a much larger number of monitors. Since then, the Mission has been actively used as an anti-Azerbaijani propaganda tool. Furthermore, with Canada's membership of EUMA, it resembles a de facto NATO mission. This has also been accompanied by statements that call the EUMA a restraining force and create the illusion of a possible intervention by Azerbaijan, which has no basis. Thus, the EU was asked to take all necessary measures to ensure that the EUMA operates strictly as a neutral, civilian and unarmed mission, in accordance with its stated mandate, and avoids any activity aimed at sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, or affect its legitimate security interests in any other way.
Another issue of concern is a French-led campaign aimed at militarizing Armenia, which also includes new promises of greater military supplies (including types of lethal and offensive weapons). Another EU member state, Greece, has recently made statements about deepening military cooperation with Armenia. In addition, plans to provide military aid to Armenia under the European Peace Aid and news that the April 5 meeting foresees military components, cause further concerns and undermine efforts to build peace in the region. Interestingly, being a victim of armed aggression, occupation and ethnic cleansing for nearly 30 years, even with four UN Security Council resolutions demanding the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian occupation forces , Azerbaijan has never received this kind of unconditional support from the EU and the US.
Such actions by the EU and the US clearly have a unilateral character and are based on the double standard approach. The said conference is not conducted in a fully transparent manner, lacks all regional involvement and is contrary to the promoted and much needed trust and integrity building in the region. It creates new dividing lines and so-called spheres of influence in the region, instead of encouraging the Armenian side to negotiate in good faith.
Given the revanchist situation in Armenia, such an open public pro-Armenian manifestation by Washington and Brussels could create a dangerous illusion in Armenia that the EU and the US will support Armenia in its possible new provocations against Azerbaijan. In such a case, the EU and the US will share responsibility for any possible destabilizing actions by Armenia.
We once again call on all parties to refrain from steps that are counter-productive to peace efforts and that could cause new waves of escalation and tension in the region, when there is a unique window of opportunity to achieve lasting peace, stability and security, based on the basic norms and principles of international law.
Aykhan Hajizada, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan
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