We saw the statement by the head of EU diplomacy about the accession of third countries to the so-called human rights sanctions. In the initial version, Armenia and Azerbaijan appeared on that list, but after some time they miraculously disappeared from there, stated Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

"In my opinion, it would be more correct to ask this question to the ‘magicians’ of Brussels, as this is really some kind of ‘magic,’ juggling different versions of one's own documents. As far as our [i.e. Russia’s] position is concerned, all attempts by Brussels to make its restrictions look like compliance with international legal norms, by drawing third countries by hook or by crook are an empty and futile exercise. (…).

"But the story of Armenia and Azerbaijan appearing and then disappearing from the list of countries supporting so-called EU human rights sanctions is a vivid example of neo-colonial thinking in Brussels' policy. This is also a vivid example of what the Western society, led by the US, directly wants from them. I wouldn't even say from these countries, from involving them in the process of normalizing relations between other countries.

"We talked about this. The only objective and task is not related to the normalization of relations between Yerevan and Baku. This is exclusively the desire to once again occupy some anti-Russian point, to gain an anti-Russian height, to once again strengthen anti-Russian positions in the immediate vicinity of Russia, and to prevent the realization of the positive and effective which was developed with the help of Russia...

"And in those attempts, the EU goes to everything possible, including open lies. I am sure that this is not a coincidence, not a typo, but simply a lie. I would like this to become a lesson for everyone on how to be vigilant in relations with the EU and NATO," said the official representative of the Russian MFA.