EU Plans to Build Three Checkpoints in Armenia; Demining Must Come First

The European Union intends to build three checkpoints in Armenia, but the project can only proceed once the areas have been cleared of landmines. EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos announced this at a briefing in Yerevan while presenting a state-of-the-art Croatian demining vehicle donated to the republic by the EU.

According to the diplomat, the new equipment will be used not only to enhance the safety of residents in border areas but also to facilitate the preparation of infrastructure projects. He explained that clearing the terrain of mines is a prerequisite for the construction of the future checkpoints.

"We have already committed to building three checkpoints and are currently working on the details of this program. However, demining is the necessary first step to allow this important construction work to move forward," Maragos said.

The ambassador did not specify exactly where the new checkpoints are planned to be built.

Maragos also emphasized that the European Union intends to further expand cooperation with Armenia by investing in both security and infrastructure development. He noted that the EU is already funding programs to support populations affected by the conflict and the work of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), and is now also providing assistance in the field of humanitarian demining.

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