"The priority must be strict compliance with the November 9, 2020 ceasefire" [fr]

I would like to thank Mr. Miroslav Jenca for his presentation.

France is very concerned about the military actions undertaken at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These actions have caused dozens of casualties. Several localities on Armenian territory have been fired upon and there are reports of strikes against civilian infrastructure. This is the most serious fighting since the 2020 war.

In the face of this escalation, France, alongside its partners, is working to encourage a return to respect for the ceasefire.

President Macron met with the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan. The Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs also met with her Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts.

Three messages were conveyed to the parties.

First, the priority must be strict compliance with the November 9, 2020 ceasefire. We are all bound by the UN Charter to settle our differences peacefully.

Second, we call on Azerbaijan to maintain its forces in their original positions. The delimitation of the border must be done exclusively through negotiations. In the present case, and given the advance of Azerbaijani forces beyond certain segments of the border, the territorial integrity of Armenia must be respected.

Finally, the parties must resume dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations. We call on the parties to make progress on the delimitation and demarcation of the border and on ways to prevent further incidents through force distancing measures.

France recalls that the parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and urges them to facilitate the unimpeded delivery of aid. We welcome the action of the ICRC. We call for the release of the prisoners. France welcomes the release of five Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan on 8 September.

France remains mobilized, in conjunction with all its partners and with the UN Secretary General. As co-president of the Minsk Group, and as a member state of the European Union, it will continue to support all efforts to bring about a lasting peace in the region.

France welcomes the efforts of the Presidency of the European Council, which has met four times since December 2021 with President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinian to achieve a normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The European Union is also mobilized to restore respect for the ceasefire.

It is important that this Council remains focused on the issue and that the efforts of its members converge to put an end to the hostilities, to ensure lasting respect for the ceasefire and to contribute to the implementation of the commitments made by the Parties in the framework of the trilateral declarations and the mediation efforts of the President of the European Council.

Thank you.