The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (MFA) issued a statement against the European Union civilian monitoring mission in Armenia (EUMA).

“Recent case of prevention of an attempt of illegal crossing through the areas of responsibility of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA) casts the serious shadow over the declared tasks of the Mission,” the Azerbaijan MFA noted in its statement. 

It argued that such actions by no means conform with the declared goals of EUMA of contributing to trust and confidence as a neutral actor.

"The EU side was urged to take all necessary measures with a view to ensuring that EUMA deployed in the territory of Armenia act strictly as a neutral, civilian and unarmed mission in line with its declared mandate, and refrain from any activity that would target Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity or in any other manner affect its legitimate security interests," the Azerbaijan MFA added.

Peter Michalko, the Ambassador of the  EU to Azerbaijan, was summoned to the latter’s MFA on Monday.

“During the meeting the serious concern was reiterated with regard to the activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA) that contradict initial agreements with respect to this mission and activities,” Azerbaijani media reported.