EU Mission in Armenia begins work on the border with Azerbaijan

The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) has officially begun its work. Civilian monitors will patrol the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan.

The mission has a two-year mandate. Its aim is to contribute to stability in border areas, build confidence and create conditions for normalising relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The mission's headquarters will be in Yeghegnadzor, with forward bases in several border provinces. It will have about 100 staff, including around 50 unarmed monitors.

Yerevan welcomed the decision of the EU Council. Russia's Foreign Ministry said the mission could bring "geopolitical confrontation" to the region.