Friday, April 26 2024 10:45

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.