Bortnikov: EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia conducts intelligence activities against Russia

The EU observation mission deployed in Armenia is conducting intelligence activities against Russia, FSB (Federal Security Service) Director Alexander Bortnikov said at the 55th meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Special Services of CIS countries, Report informs via Russian media.

"The so-called independent civilian EU observation mission is conducting intelligence activities in the interests of a specific NATO country against Russia and our partners," he noted.

He said that by persuading Yerevan to delay negotiations with Baku, the West is trying to lead the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement process and achieve the deployment of its own "peacekeeping" contingent in the region - de jure under the UN auspices, but de facto NATO.

Bortnikov said that considering all previous experience of NATO mediation in various regions of the world, the bloc's consolidation in the South Caucasus will not contribute to stability in the region.

He also noted that in exchange for preferential arms supplies and security guarantees, the West is seeking Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO.