DISINFO: European mission observers are busy spying against Armenia
SUMMARY
Armenia cannot rely on the EU mission observers. After all, they have already shown their ineffectiveness, and transmit information about (Armenian) military equipment and its movements to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia, accusing it of espionage.
Pro-Kremlin outlets often accuse the EU Mission in Armenia of espionage, notably against Russia and Iran. The head of the EU mission in Armenia, Markus Ritter, has refuted the accusations:
“We send our reports to Brussels. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan receives these reports. There is no room for manipulation, and these reports are reviewed by Brussels, member states, and are used for peace negotiations".
The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is a civilian mission that observes and reports on the security situation on the ground, contributes to the security of the people in conflict-affected areas in Armenia, and to building confidence on the ground. Through its presence, EUMA also contributes to ensuring an environment conducive to the normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
From the very beginning, this mission has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs.
The mission was launched in Armenia in response to a request by Armenia. EUMA conducts routine patrolling and reports on the situation, which strengthens the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground.
The decision to deploy the EU monitors on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan was made after the September 2022 escalation. The EU has called for and helped a normalisation process.
EUMA represents a new phase in the EU’s engagement in the South Caucasus. The mission has a mandate for two years and will have a staff of 100.
On 13 November 2023, EU Foreign Ministers approved the proposal to expand the mission in Armenia.
See similar cases in our database: EU observers in Armenia are employees of Western intelligence services, The purpose of EU monitors in Armenia is to spy on Russian troops, EU mission to Armenia to monitor Russian and Iranian troops, Spying on Iran may be the main purpose of the EU monitors in Iran.