Moscow: "Moscow's attitude towards the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is negative," stated Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a briefing today, as reported by APA's Moscow correspondent. Zakharova's comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the potential extension of the EU mission's stay in Armenia.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Zakharova addressed the continuous shootings along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, highlighting the EU mission's role as an external entity in the South Caucasus region. She emphasized that regional issues could be resolved through collective efforts from countries within the region, without external interference. Zakharova posed a critical question about the EU's decision-making process: "If the EU mission is so determined to achieve stability, why is the decision to extend its mandate, as well as the decision to deploy the mission during that time, made without Baku's consent?"
Zakharova further questioned why the opinion of Baku, a key regional player with vested interests in improving the situation, was not considered in extending the EUMA's mandate. Her remarks reflect Moscow's broader stance on the necessity of regional cooperation over external intervention in resolving South Caucasus issues.