Brussels will not extend mandate of EU observer mission in Armenia – Borrell

YEREVAN, December 13. /ARKA/. The European Union will not extend the term of its observer mission in Armenia which expires next week, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said during at a Monday's meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, Azatutyun radio reported.

According to Borrell, the mission was "effective," but he refused to comment on the reasons for not extending its mandate.

According to the agreements with both Armenia and Azerbaijan," the mission will complete its activities on December 19.

"However, in order to preserve our reputation as a mediator in the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a team will be sent to Armenia to plan for a possible civilian mission, if such an agreement is reached next year," Borrell said.

The dispatch of a civil mission to Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan to monitor the situation and support stabilization on the ground after Azerbaijan’s September 13-14 unprovoked aggression on Armenia was approved by foreign ministers of EU.

The mission began the monitoring on 26 October to build confidence and contribute to the work of the Armenian and Azerbaijani border commissions. -0-