In neighboring countries of Armenia, there is already the realization that the EU observation mission has become a stability factor. Marcus Ritter

The representatives of the EU Observation Mission worked with various commitments in a number of countries, but have not seen the attitude and hospitality, such as Armenia, and this circumstance is very motivated by providing effective work.

"ARMENPRESS"As reported by Armenpress, the head of the EU observation mission in Armenia marked the opinion of the EU observation mission during the Ijevan meeting with the delegates of the Armenian-Georgian conference.

"The mission started its activities since February 2023, when the Azerbaijani armed forces had already moved and entered some territories of Armenia. We are conducting observations along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Our goal is to promote peace and stability in the region, preventing tensions on the border with Azerbaijan. We often visit border settlements, which have some extent affected by the conflict. We want to provide a security environment and confidence in the residents of border communities in our presence, "said Ritter.

He informed that the mission now has six main bases for operative activities, which are located in Kapan to Ijevan. The headquarak is located in Yeghegnadzor. According to the leadership, the monitoring mission should not be in Yerevan, because the main thing is to do between Armenia and Azerbaijan, so the observations are carried out along the border of about 1000 kilometers. The number of employees is 225, of which 166 international observers are from 25 EU member states, the rest are local workers.

The Ritter reminded that when the mission started its activities, the EU has played a mediation role in resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Council of Europe Chairman Charles McCell, German President Emanuel Mclts, and German Chancellor Olaf Sholts took direct steps to promote peace talks, and now there is a direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"Since the start of our mission, the number of border incidents has decreased significantly, tensions have significantly weakened, sometimes separate shots are heard, but fortunately there are no casualties or victims. For example, two years ago, the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked us to conduct observations in the village of Khachik, as the Azerbaijani military was firing in the direction of the farmers, but when we started observing in the area, the shooting stopped. There is already the realization in the neighboring countries of Armenia that the EU's observation mission in Armenia has become a stability factor, "said the head of the EU Observation Mission.

The Ritter added that they implement a comprehensive research along the border, making the relevant reports to Brussels, and the EU representatives will conclude and have a clear idea of ​​the whole border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mission does not present these reports to both parties to the conflict. Observations are carried out by both the companions, without their services, their own strength and means.

"Initially, we were accompanied by the location, but we had more than 5,500 observations a year and a half years, which testifies to the fact that European observers are well aware of and what they should do. Over time, we cut the number of accompanying, especially the military, because a question could have arisen if it is an impartial mission, then why are the military involved in the conflict? We apply to their assistance and support only if necessary. We have an observation plan that we send to Baku. We have no direct communication with the Azerbaijani side, so we inform them of the observation plan through the Special Representative of the South Caucasus Crisis in Tbilisi. We do not ask permission to operate and do not expect a response, we just notice that. We want both parties to have the same information about the observation plan, know where we are going, "Ritter detailed.

The head of the observation mission assured that they are free to attend anywhere in Armenia and do not have any restrictions on achieving border communities. Since last year, they regularly visit educational institutions and inform schoolchildren about their activities, presenting the general nature of the work, the goals of the European Union.

"When we arrived in Armenia, at the beginning of our activities there were great expectations related to us. Many people believed that we were deployed instead of Russian peacekeepers, and we have been forced to defend themselves from possible aggression.

According to him, thanks to the local media, people are already aware of the nature of the activities of observers, they know that they only use telescopes and cameras. The EU Observation Mission is the only international organization that has access to remote locations, where only the military, and people do not live there. In all border communities, the ritories and his team are recognized, accepted their heartfelt and often people invite the observers to their homes.

"Different anniversaries have been circulated during our activities. Azerbaijan does not want to cooperate with us, it doesn't even want to leave, and the observation mission considers it to be involved in the reality, and it is not possible to have a good position in the negotiation process, which is not shot. "