At a time when most of the world is already embroiled in one or the other problematic situations, the Armenia-Azerbaijan situation has come back into the spotlight and it looks like things have not entirely calmed down there. However, the eyes of the world are steadfastly keeping track of the developments in the region. And as Azerbaijan was encroaching Armenian territory, France has warned it from moving any further.
During a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the need for an immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from Armenia’s sovereign territory. According to Pashinyan’s press office, Macron called Pashinyan to discuss measures to address the troubling developments triggered by Azerbaijani forces breaching the Armenian border and in the Syunik Province.
As per reports, Macron expressed his support to the Armenian authorities and the Armenian people in a peaceful settlement of the issue. He also “reaffirmed France’s commitment to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia,” according to a statement issued by the Élysée Palace. Macron added that France is ready to “contribute to the solution of the challenges facing Armenia, the development and progress of our country.”
Almost a month after a peace deal was brokered by Russia between Armenia and Azerbaijan, resulting in short-lived jubilation on the streets of Ankara and Baku, it has now been reported that by courtesy the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces in the Nagorno Karabakh region, close to 40,000 Armenians have returned to their homes and are well on the path of having some normalcy restored in their lives, after close to six weeks of intense fighting, which had resulted in the displacement of over 90,000 Armenians from the contested region. The war between the two countries ended in the favour of Azerbaijan and as things stood, it has taken over much of the disputed territory, however, recently it tried to increase its share of the victory bounty, by moving kilometres ahead.
The French president also said that the crisis could be addressed through the UN Security Council. Azerbaijani armed forces broke through Armenia’s state boundary in the territory of Sev Lidj (Black Lake) in the Syunik province on Wednesday morning, advancing up to 3.5 kilometres in an attempt to encircle the lake. Following his meeting with Pashinyan, Macron took to Facebook to express France’s unwavering support for Armenia in the Armenian language. Following a phone call with Armenia’s caretaker Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, French President Emmanuel Macron posted an Armenian message on his Facebook page.
“The Azerbaijani armed forces have encroached on Armenia’s territories. They must immediately withdraw. I once again tell the Armenian people – France stands with Armenia and will continue doing so,’’ Macron said in his Facebook post.