EU Mission Conducts First Technical Assessment on Armenian-Azerbaijani Border

Karen Sargsyan, the governor of the region, stated that the delegation of the EU technical assessment mission visited the border settlements in the Vardenis region of the Gegharkunik region, most affected by the escalation on the border with Azerbaijan last month.

The delegation was accompanied by Colonel Vahram Grigoryan, the head of the eastern region of the republic, the commander of the 2nd Army Corps of the Armenian Armed Forces, and Aharon Khachatryan, the head of the Vardenis community.

Representatives of the mission visited the villages of Tretuk and Kutak. 

"Colonel Grigoryan presented the delegation members with a report on the consequences of the aggression of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on May 12, 2021, and September 13–14, 2022. Detailed information was provided on 12 settlements in the enlarged communities of Chambarak and Vardenis affected by the Azerbaijani attack, the greatest damage of which was caused to the villages of Sotk and Kut," the report stated.

"European observers were informed that during the September escalation, 148 buildings were damaged in Sotq, 12 in Kutak, and 2 in Verin Shorzha. Two schools, one kindergarten, administrative buildings, a library, and a first-aid post were also damaged. As a result of the shelling, several other civilian facilities on Armenian territory were also destroyed," it added.

With the help of appropriate instruments, European observers took measurements on the ground. Members of the delegation assured him that they would conduct in-depth studies and submit regular reports.

Germany Askes to join EU Mission on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border

A representative of the German Foreign Ministry said that Germany would like to participate in the EU observer mission in Armenia and plans to offer its experts to work on the border with Azerbaijan from November.

"The federal government is striving for Germany to take part in the observer mission in Armenia and will be able to offer a business trip of (its) experts starting in November," the German side stated. 

The decision on who will be involved in the process will be made by the mission's leadership, depending on specific needs.