Armenian MP, Head of EU Delegation to Armenia discuss situation on  Armenia`s borders

ArmInfo. Armenian MP Taguhi Tovmasyan had a meeting with representatives of the EU Delegation to Armenia. 

We discussed with the EU Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 

about the borders of Armenia and the situation inside.

I had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Vassilis Maragos, the Ambassador 

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union in Armenia, 

Silvia Maria Zehe, Political Advisor to the EUSR and Maria 

PAPAMICHAIL, Political Officer of the EU Delegation to Armenia.

During our discourse, I took the opportunity to provide insights into 

the evolving situation in Tavush, with particular emphasis on the 

complexities surrounding delimitation and demarcation efforts 

stemming from that region.

I expressed my concern for the fate of the Armenian 7th-century Holy 

Astvatsatsin Church in Voskepar.  Although the Deputy Prime 

Minister's office conveyed that it would remain within the territory 

of Armenia, this assertion lacks credibility. We heard a similar 

promise regarding Dadivank Church after the Artsakh war, when they 

said the road to Dadivank would remain on the Armenian side and we 

would have unhindered access, but it did not happen.

I raised the issue of the European Union observers, who consist of 

2000 patrols. As they reside in safer locations, it is impossible for 

them to observe the situation and be present at the scene during 

shootings:  they respond hours or even a day after an incident 

occurs.

Turning our attention to the plight of Artsakh Armenians, I 

underscored the imperative of their safe return under the protective 

umbrella of robust international guarantees, ensuring their 

well-being and rights are upheld.

We discussed the issue of visa liberalization, during which I 

mentioned that Armenians often encounter difficulties in obtaining 

visas.

I also addressed the threats to democracy during Nikol Pashinyan's 

tenure, including the issue of political prisoners in Armenia.

The Ambassador commented that the EU attaches fundamental importance 

to the Alma-Ata declaration as a basis for demarcation and 

delimitation between the parties and welcomes the start of this 

process. As regards EU Monitoring Capacity in Armenia, Mr. Maragos 

emphasized that they are focusing on the implementation of their 

mandate supporting peace and stability, and their presence has 

already produced very concrete results in terms of reduction of 

incidents. 

"This is a civilian mission. They monitor the situation on the basis 

of their mandate. Additionally, in upholding the rule of law in a 

democratic society, those entrusted with the task of policing 

society, must themselves be subject to accountability before the law. 

The EU is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Human 

Rights Defender's office": mentioned the Ambassador Extraordinary and 

Plenipotentiary of the EU in his speech.