Ensuring long-term regional security and socio-economic stability through external intervention certainly does not promise positive prospects, as the collective West’s plans are aimed at militarization and expanding the EU’s military-political influence in the region.
In Baku, of course, there is sharp criticism of the energetic ventures of European “observers,” with this movement being dubbed as “binocular diplomacy.” President Ilham Aliyev stated that he intends to discuss this issue with the EU, as the European Union must remain neutral in the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Despite the necessity of maintaining an objective stance, Western countries have actively supported Armenia while ignoring the challenges faced by Azerbaijan. Neither the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, nor the crimes committed against Azerbaijanis, nor the violations of international law concerned European and American politicians, who openly took a pro-Armenian position. Today, as Azerbaijan has fulfilled all four UN Security Council resolutions independently, Western officials and experts continue to criticize Baku with the same enthusiasm. Meanwhile, no condemnation is heard against Armenia, which continues its aggressive policies, keeps arming itself, and refuses to abandon territorial claims against its neighbors. The one-sided approach demonstrated in Brussels automatically distances the EU from the normalization process and even creates a conflict-prone atmosphere in the region.
It is pointless to deny that the presence of European “observers” in the region encourages Armenian revanchists to provoke tensions, feeding their baseless hopes, which exacerbates the situation. Certain circles are steadily pushing Armenia towards tension, putting all their efforts into preventing the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. The post-war processes in Armenia have clearly shown that the revanchist tendencies in the country are fueled from outside.
Speaking about the EU mission’s activities on the border, it is worth noting that recent proposals to extend its mandate for another two years have hardly come as a surprise. Clearly, the plan to extend the mandate is likely aimed at expanding and even transforming the EU’s so-called “civilian” mission into a military one. However, no one asked Baku whether it liked this idea or whether it agreed to such an adventure. Armenia, having the audacity to allow Western intelligence representatives onto its border territory, seems unclear on what these “observations” might lead to. Yerevan has not drawn conclusions even after a series of alarming and quite logical statements from Moscow. As for the reaction from the Russian side to the activities of those showing unhealthy interest in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, they too are not thrilled by this “observation.” The European agents are diligently snooping around, searching for reasons to accuse Azerbaijan and criticize it for one thing or another.
Speaking about the destructive activities of Western anti-Azerbaijani forces, it is particularly important to highlight France’s “contribution,” under whose influence the other patrons of Armenian interests are falling. Encouraged by France, the European mission, in its efforts to pave the way for a long-term presence in the region, motivates Armenia to create tensions along the border.
How can Baku trust the EU countries when the mandate of the European “observers” on the border was extended without Azerbaijan’s consent?
It is worth recalling that the mission members were initially supposed to stay on the border for no more than two months, with a limited number of personnel. Later, the mission’s term was extended, its numbers increased, and now there is talk of extending its activities for an additional two years. Yerevan, hiding behind the European mission and harboring revanchist intentions, reveals its true stance on ensuring peace in the region. The West, stoking Armenian revanchism, is attempting to drag Azerbaijan into a new war, thereby posing a serious threat to regional security and stability.
Alla Zeydullayeva
Translated from minval.az
