We have a duty to help Armenia in the fight against the aggressor. Interview by Anne-Laurence Petel: "Armenpress"

Anne-Laurence Petel, president of the France-Armenia friendship group of the French National Assembly, believes that France has something to do in strengthening Armenia's defense capability and sovereignty. According to him, France has become a key partner of Armenia in the field of defense, which allows the country to balance Armenia's relations with its aggressive neighbor, Azerbaijan.

In an interview with "Armenpress", Anne-Laurence Petel spoke about France's efforts to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense, economy and culture, the resolution adopted by the French Senate, which condemns Azerbaijan's aggression against Armenia and calls on Azerbaijan to ensure Return of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh (Republic of Artsakh), guaranteeing adequate conditions for their safety and well-being.

"In January, the French Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijan's aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, which went a little unnoticed. Will you elaborate, what was the content of the resolution?"

"Yes, indeed. The resolution was adopted by the French Senate. It calls on Azerbaijan to ensure the right of return of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, guaranteeing conditions that will ensure their safety and well-being. In addition, it condemns the occupation of the territories of Armenia by Azerbaijan and calls on Azerbaijan to withdraw the Azerbaijani armed forces from the territory of Armenia."

"How can France help the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict?"

Through diplomacy. It is obvious and France has done a lot in that direction. France participates in the negotiations from the very beginning. Even after 2020, France has done everything to contribute to the settlement of the conflict and, first of all, to the signing of the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

However, in recent months, especially since September 2023, as well as after the incidents that took place in the Armenian territory in 2021 and 2022, it became more and more obvious that France has work to do in strengthening Armenia's defense capability and sovereignty.

In fact, it became clear that Russia is no longer a reliable ally for Armenia. Thus, France has become a key partner for Armenia in the field of defense, which allows Armenia to have more balanced relations with its aggressive neighbor, Azerbaijan. Therefore, the role of France is twofold: to contribute to the efforts of a peaceful settlement of the conflict, while at the same time supporting the increase of the level of defense capabilities of Armenia. As President Macron emphasized back in 2020, this means identifying the aggressor and supporting the defending party in its defensive actions.

"A very delicate diplomatic game is being played out right now. Armenia clearly shows its desire to get closer to Europe and leave Russia. Especially in connection with this, any declaration of support by France creates a tense situation. So, how should you position yourself in this tense situation between Russia and Armenia?"

In fact, France supports Armenia in strengthening its institutions, in realizing its desire to move forward on the path of democracy. That is why France is Armenia's partner, because the latter has chosen the path of greater independence. It is not about replacing dependence on Russia with dependence on another country, but about strengthening Armenia's ability to become a real democracy, with all the signs that this entails, including in the field of defense. Indeed, Armenia is looking for various partners, including in defense. We must be realistic, Russia is no longer an objective ally of Armenia. He did not play his role during the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which prompted Armenia to look for other, more reliable partners, such as France.

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