The observation mission of the European Union, based in Jermuk in Armenia, contributed, "
by its very presence, to lowering tensions
" with Azerbaijan, estimated Friday the French Minister for Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, who visited the staff of this mission.
Set up following clashes that killed nearly 300 people last September on the border between these two former Soviet republics, it was renewed for two years.
“Contribute to the return of peace”
"
France and the European Union have only one objective with regard to the regional situation, that of contributing to the return of peace
", insisted Catherine Colonna, who had talks the day before in Baku with the President and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan.
The meeting with President Ilham Aliyev at the presidential palace drew criticism on social media from the Armenian side.
The head of French diplomacy recalled that the EU mission was not "
armed
", but allowed Member States to know "
objectively
" what was happening on the ground to take possible decisions.
Some 60 people are part of this mission.
"
I wanted to come here to show my support for this European Union mission which plays an important role in helping Armenia
," she also told reporters on site, including AFP.
The mission staff recalled that following the events of September, Azerbaijan had moved the border from 7 to 9 kilometers, to the detriment of Armenia.
And the Armenians fear new attempts to nibble on their territory.
Djermouk is a place all the more strategic as it supplies water to the whole country.
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Catherine Colonna also reiterated that France, like the European Union, "
condemns any unilateral gesture by Azerbaijan
", referring to the establishment of a checkpoint last Sunday in the Lachin corridor.
The only axis linking Armenia to the separatist enclave of Nagorny Karabakh, Latchine was already subject to a blockade lasting several months which caused shortages.
Baku and Yerevan have been fighting for more than 30 years for control of this mountainous region mainly populated by Armenians which seceded from Azerbaijan when the USSR broke up.
Baku disputes any blockage of the road and argues that its checkpoint aims to prevent "
illegal activities
", such as transporting weapons to the Armenian separatist enclave.