Diaspora leader urges French senators not to adopt anti-Azerbaijan resolution PHOTO

The Association of Friends of Azerbaijan [AFA] in France operating in France has appealed to the French president and Senate over the anti-Azerbaijani draft resolution submitted by six senators.

An address made on behalf of AFA President Jerome Lambert to France's President Emmanuel Macron and senators noted that on November 15, a resolution concerning Azerbaijani-French relations will be discussed in the Senate, Report informs, citing the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora.

Lambert urged the senators not to adopt the resolution, which will create difficulties between the two countries.

"We again ask you to show an official position that will not involve the French government in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan," he said.

Lambert explained this position by the fact that the text of the resolution does not fully respond to the current situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan and even contradicts the developments that have taken place in recent months. He recalled that the UN Security Council repeatedly condemned Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands, and France voted for all resolutions condemning the Armenian occupation. Two years ago, Azerbaijan, exercising its right to defend its territorial integrity, ended the 30-year occupation by neighbouring Armenia.

It was noted that the international community had never condemned Azerbaijan before. The situation in the Karabakh region is currently stable, and Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly admitted in recent months that France recognized Azerbaijan's internationally recognized borders prior to Armenia's occupation. Despite Azerbaijan's serious efforts to establish peace and normalize relations following the bilateral agreement signed in November 2020, the current situation is despised by Armenia's nationalist extremist circles, who are attempting to commit new [criminal] acts.

The AFA president believes that the provocations, the continuation of planting mines in the border areas, refusing to withdraw the Armenian Armed Forces from the Azerbaijani territory and open communication and transport links, contrary to the tripartite declaration and agreements, are unacceptable.

Despite the fact that such extremist forces are supported by the Armenian diaspora and have managed to persuade some French senators, the AFA president has stated that this is an inappropriate initiative in terms of international law, as well as the establishment of peace and normal relations between countries.

"Because France must communicate with all nations. Unfortunately, some representatives of the influential French community in our national territory have a desire for 'revenge'. However, this is against the ongoing Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations. It seems that France and the European Union, because of the actions of the extremists in the Armenian diaspora, have lost the legitimacy to take a position as a negotiating party," he said.

Lambert warned that negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are progressing: "Recently, in Prague and Sochi, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan recognised each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity in joint statements! It means that the 'resolution' submitted to you does not reflect the current situation."

He stated that, even if the draft resolution does not reflect France's diplomatic position, it may isolate the country from the complex realities of these territories, their history, and the peoples with whom it seeks interaction. However, France must act in accordance with these nations' mutual relations and must be able to maintain the best spirit that will create opportunities for influence in this region, which exists near Europe's borders and at the crossroads of many civilizations.

Lambert concluded his appeal by urging senators not to vote for a retrograde resolution that does not reflect reality and the current situation. He added that France should work for peace, and its parliamentary representatives should avoid causing conflict among communities.

The appeal was also supported by coordination councils of Azerbaijani diaspora organizations operating in various countries.