Hovhannisyan: EU monitors ensure regional stability

PanARMENIAN.Net - During a session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on European Integration, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan highlighted that security has been formally established as a distinct direction in Armenia’s partnership agenda with the European Union, reports Pastinfo.

Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of EU observers’ contribution to Armenia’s security sector, stating it should be regarded as a crucial factor.

“In this context, the security component of our partnership with the EU is progressing successfully. We are also discussing the launch of a new consultation mechanism on defense and security issues, which will become part of our political and security dialogue.

The extension of the mandate of the EU’s civilian observation mission in Armenia for the next two years will continue to serve as a deterrent, strengthening the environment of stability in border regions and helping prevent possible escalation risks,” said Hovhannisyan.

On March 13, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced it had accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals on two previously unresolved articles of the peace treaty, declaring the agreement ready for signing. Yerevan is prepared to start consultations on the date and location of the signing. Baku has since introduced new preconditions, stating it is premature to discuss timelines.

The draft peace agreement consists of 17 points, 15 of which had been agreed upon earlier. The two unresolved issues were mutual renunciation of claims at the international level, and the non-deployment of foreign representatives on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.