French president. Emanuel Macron on Monday (26 September) hosted Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Elysee Palace to discuss the current situation in the South Caucasus, and particularly Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.
Macron described the situation following the recent armned clashes on 13-14 September as "critical"
"Large-scale military operations took place on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan, causing many casualties. The territory of Armenia was targeted, civil infrastructures were destroyed. In the face of this unacceptable situation, France has assumed its responsibilities.
France, chairing the UN Security Council, convened a meeting of the Security Council, where the situation was discussed twice on September 14 and 15. Council members demanded an early end to hostilities and respect for the ceasefire. Taking into account that there are occupied positions, France demanded that the Azerbaijani forces return to their starting positions. I told President Aliyev on September 14 that the fact that the border is not demarcated cannot justify any advance into the territory of the other country.
In addition, I have clearly stated since September 13 that France is convinced that the use of force cannot be a solution for either Armenia or Azerbaijan and it is necessary to resume the dialogue immediately. All unresolved issues, which are numerous, should be exclusively resolved through negotiations. Negotiations are being conducted in different formats, particularly under the auspices of the EU, and should be resumed.
I do not forget that exactly two years ago, on September 27, 2020, a terrible war began, which became fatal for the region. It led to a de facto new situation with an expanded Russian military presence in the region. And I strongly condemn what has happened in recent days and call for peace and negotiations to resume. I would like to salute the courage of Prime Minister Pashinyan, who proposed a new approach to the future of the region.
President Aliyev, with whom I will talk in the next few hours, says that he also wants to end instability in the region and find solutions. But it is impossible to build peace under the threat of force. That is why France will do everything to pursue its goal, which is a stable, safe and prosperous South Caucasus."
Macron also discussed the issue of relations between Armenia and Turkey. "This is a difficult but very necessary process and you know that France is also committed to this issue. This process is very important for the region", he said
In conclusion, Macron reiterated France's commitment to achieving peace and stability for Armenia and the entire region. "I welcome your sense of responsibility and your position to do everything to establish peace. I want your country to have calm and peaceful borders".
source: commonspace.eu with agencies
