Azerbaijani ambassador to France blames French Republicans for blocking peace in South Caucasus

The subordination of French deputies to the electoral pressure of certain radical and nationalist groups to the detriment of the vital and national interests of the Armenian people is dangerous for democracy and peace.

Report informs that the statement came from the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France Leyla Abdullayeva in her response to an article published on June 13, 2023, in the French newspaper Le Figaro by Republican deputies.

The full statement reads:

“Le Figaro on June 12, 2023, at 20:20 on its website and in the newspaper issue dated June 13, 2023, published an article entitled “Appeal of right-wing Republicans in support of Nagorno-Karabakh”, signed by more than 170 Republican deputies, which presents inaccurate information that causes damage to the honour of all Azerbaijanis in France, where I work as an ambassador.

The 'alarm signal' initiated by the Republican deputies is based on disinformation and serves the interests of marginal and radical forces that come out with these myths in order to prevent the establishment of a lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

Abdullayeva noted that “while for the first time in the last 30 years, we have a historic opportunity to achieve peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, open a new page for development and cooperation throughout the region, these radical forces take a destructive position only in order to ensure their political presence."

She added that the Lachin road mentioned in the article is part of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan and is located between the Lachin region and the city of Khankendi of the country. According to the tripartite statement dated November 10, 2020, signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia, the Lachin road is intended exclusively for humanitarian purposes.

“However, this road was used by Armenia for illegal military and commercial purposes, in particular, for the movement of Armed Forces personnel and the transport of ammunition, the unlawful placement of which continues on the territory of Azerbaijan. In addition, third-country nationals illegally entered the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan through the Lachin corridor for dubious purposes, such as training and recruiting terrorists," Abdullayeva wrote.

"The so-called "closure" of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan does not reflect the reality. The Republic of Azerbaijan has established a checkpoint on the border with Armenia, which operates 24/7 and is used by Azerbaijani residents of Armenian origin. As evidenced by numerous videos and photographs published in the media, Azerbaijan ensures free and safe movement in both directions. In this regard, in the ruling of the International Court of Justice dated February 22, 2023, there is no mention of the so-called “closure” declared by the Armenian side, which proves that this false accusation has no basis. According to the decision of the court, Azerbaijan has established a checkpoint on its national territory in order to ensure the free movement of people, vehicles and goods along the Lachin road in both directions.

In addition, this call by representatives of the right-wing 'Republicans' is completely contrary to the current policy of the Armenian government. [Armenian] Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan several times, especially during the Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik [Iceland] on May 16-17, 2023, made statements recognising the sovereignty of Azerbaijan in Karabakh. This position was also reaffirmed by the President of the Council of the European Union, Charles Michel, in a statement following the meeting in Brussels on 14 May.

A lasting peace is an absolute necessity for the future of all peoples in the region, including the Armenian people, and only respect for international law and commitments can lead us to this goal, which we are very close to at this historical moment.

I invite you to meet with us in order to personally discuss these issues and convince you of Azerbaijan's desire to build a lasting peace," Abdullayeva concluded.