Macron urges EU countries to help Armenia protect its borders

Moscow (ANTARA) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called on European Union countries to commit to helping Armenia protect its borders. He reminded that the task is currently largely carried out by Russian border guards. Since the Soviet era, Armenia’s border security system with Turkey and Iran has remained relatively unchanged. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Border Guard Service in Armenia has four detachments stationed in Gyumri, Armavir, Artashat, and Meghri. However, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated on 30 April that Armenian border forces would replace Russian military in guarding the republic’s borders. “Armenia has chosen to turn towards Europe. But at the same time, around 4,000 Russian troops are still in Armenian territory, with more than 2,000 of them directly involved in border protection,” Macron said in his speech to the French diaspora community in Armenia on Monday. “Therefore, Europe must commit to helping protect this country’s borders.” According to Macron, this step would give Armenia greater independence in safeguarding its borders. Since 1 August 2024, Armenian border forces have begun conducting independent patrols at the country’s border in Zvartnots without Russian involvement—for the first time since 1992. Then, as of 1 January 2025, only Armenian personnel will be on duty at the Armenia-Iran border checkpoints. Nevertheless, based on an agreement with the Russian side, since January 2025, the Armenian National Security Service forces will continue joint operations with Russian border guards on the Armenia-Iran and Armenia-Turkey borders.