Armenia follows way to democracy - French FM
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ArmInfo. The struggle of Armenians and French for freedom is a common value that both countries share. This was stated by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on September 16 in Yerevan.
"Today, visiting Yerevan, I also want to express France's support to Armenia and the Armenian people, despite the obvious threats and hostility that Russia is showing, wanting to suppress the Republic of Armenia. Despite this, Armenia continues its path towards democracy and freedom. Moving forward step by step, implementing each stage," the French diplomat said.
At the same time, he emphasized that Armenia can always rely on France's support in protecting democratic values. In this vein, Sejourne added that France provides assistance to all countries that are fighting for these values.
"France is always by your side. There are few topics in France on which all political forces agree. Armenia is one of the few such topics," he noted. At the same time, he added that he discussed the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with Mirzoyan and noted that France is promoting the earliest possible signing of an agreement that will establish stable peace in the South Caucasus, with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, based on the Alma-Ata Declaration.
"The same ideology was proposed to society in Prague in October 2022. We also fully support the process of delimitation and demarcation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The establishment of peace in the South Caucasus will allow for the establishment of regional trade, which in turn will contribute to prosperity, including in Armenia," the French diplomat continued.
According to him, Armenia wants peace, France wants peace and the entire international community wants peace. "And since Azerbaijan will soon host the UN Climate Summit (COP29), it is its responsibility to demonstrate that it sincerely wants to achieve this peace before this event. And I believe that we need to move forward on this agenda at a rapid pace," Sejourne said.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that the activities of the EU civilian mission in Armenia should be continued, since their presence contributes to stability. The head of the French Foreign Ministry also supported the proposal of the Armenian side to create mechanisms for investigating incidents, and added that he intends to discuss this issue with the Prime Minister of Armenia. "You can be sure that we will support you on European platforms," the French diplomat continued. In this vein, Sejourne called the launch of a dialogue on visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU important.
In conclusion, he emphasized that France will continue to assist Armenia in various areas, including energy, sustainable development and humanitarian sphere. At the same time, he informed that a French specialist will soon be sent to the Ministry of Territorial Administration of Armenia, who will assist the Armenian side in developing this area. "We will continue to assist Armenia in the defense sector. Armenia must be able to defend itself and its population. Interaction in this area is normal between friendly countries. We do this while respecting the sovereignty of all countries," he noted, also supporting the initiative of the Armenian government "Crossroads of Peace".
"Today, visiting Yerevan, I also want to express France's support to Armenia and the Armenian people, despite the obvious threats and hostility that Russia is showing, wanting to suppress the Republic of Armenia. Despite this, Armenia continues its path towards democracy and freedom. Moving forward step by step, implementing each stage," the French diplomat said.
At the same time, he emphasized that Armenia can always rely on France's support in protecting democratic values. In this vein, Sejourne added that France provides assistance to all countries that are fighting for these values.
"France is always by your side. There are few topics in France on which all political forces agree. Armenia is one of the few such topics," he noted. At the same time, he added that he discussed the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with Mirzoyan and noted that France is promoting the earliest possible signing of an agreement that will establish stable peace in the South Caucasus, with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, based on the Alma-Ata Declaration.
"The same ideology was proposed to society in Prague in October 2022. We also fully support the process of delimitation and demarcation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The establishment of peace in the South Caucasus will allow for the establishment of regional trade, which in turn will contribute to prosperity, including in Armenia," the French diplomat continued.
According to him, Armenia wants peace, France wants peace and the entire international community wants peace. "And since Azerbaijan will soon host the UN Climate Summit (COP29), it is its responsibility to demonstrate that it sincerely wants to achieve this peace before this event. And I believe that we need to move forward on this agenda at a rapid pace," Sejourne said.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that the activities of the EU civilian mission in Armenia should be continued, since their presence contributes to stability. The head of the French Foreign Ministry also supported the proposal of the Armenian side to create mechanisms for investigating incidents, and added that he intends to discuss this issue with the Prime Minister of Armenia. "You can be sure that we will support you on European platforms," the French diplomat continued. In this vein, Sejourne called the launch of a dialogue on visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU important.
In conclusion, he emphasized that France will continue to assist Armenia in various areas, including energy, sustainable development and humanitarian sphere. At the same time, he informed that a French specialist will soon be sent to the Ministry of Territorial Administration of Armenia, who will assist the Armenian side in developing this area. "We will continue to assist Armenia in the defense sector. Armenia must be able to defend itself and its population. Interaction in this area is normal between friendly countries. We do this while respecting the sovereignty of all countries," he noted, also supporting the initiative of the Armenian government "Crossroads of Peace".