Galuzin: Russian Federation is concerned that EU mission in Armenia may become permanent

Russia is concerned that the EU mission on the border with Azerbaijan may become permanent with Armenia's approval, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said, RIA Novosti reported.

According to him, there are also reasons to believe that Western countries are collecting intelligence on Russian facilities, as well as all neighboring states with Armenia, during the EU mission in Armenia.

"We are also concerned that with Yerevan's approval, the mission is not only expanding, but threatens to turn from temporary to permanent," he pointed out.

In March, the Armenian parliament ratified an agreement signed in November 2023 with the European Union on the status of the EU mission on the border with Azerbaijan, granting observers immunity and privileges.

Galuzin noted that the appearance of Canadian representatives in the EU mission in Armenia de facto means the creeping penetration of NATO into the South Caucasus.

"As is known, Canadian representatives appeared in the mission in April this year, which de facto means the creeping penetration of NATO into the South Caucasus," Galuzin said.

He noted that the Russian side constantly raises the topic of the EU mission in contacts with Yerevan and other regional partners.