Vanetsyan questions EU mission's efficiency, opposes foreign control of Armenian roads

Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsyan has questioned the effectiveness of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia and voiced strong opposition to any foreign control over the country’s roads.

Speaking in an interview with the Public TV Company on Thursday, Vanetsyan stressed that the EU mission should only continue if it serves Armenia’s national interests.

“If their presence benefits Armenia, they should stay. If not, they should leave,” he said, adding that he has yet to see tangible results from the mission. “During escalations and shootings at the border, the EU observers take no action. Either they must become effective or they should leave.”

The opposition politician also raised concerns about allegations that the EU monitors might be conducting intelligence activities, calling for official clarification on the matter.

Vanetsyan firmly rejected the idea of foreign countries monitoring transport routes within Armenian territory. His remarks came in response to a recent Russian statement suggesting Russian border guards should oversee the road connecting Meghri to Nakhichevan.

“I am against any foreign country overseeing roads inside Armenia,” he said, while acknowledging that if existing agreements designate such roles to Russian border guards, they should be respected.

Nonetheless, Vanetsyan emphasized that Armenia should explore alternatives, such as the model used on its border with Georgia, which is guarded solely by Armenian forces.