Parisian illusions: France and the Armenian question unmasked A dinner with a taste of hypocrisy

On 11 March, the annual dinner of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organisations of France (CCAF) took place at the Hôtel du Collectionneur in Paris. The event was attended by members of the French government, political party leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats, journalists, actors, and cultural figures. And, as expected, another act of political hypocrisy unfolded—hypocrisy that, it seems, is no longer a source of shame in Paris but rather a point of pride.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau spoke on behalf of the government. In his speech, he once again raised the issue of the "Armenian question," emphasising that this dinner was a "meeting of friendship and loyalty." Retailleau's loyalty to Armenia is, above all, "physical." According to him, "Armenia is our sister," and as Anatole France once said, "The international community has often not shown enough courage in defending Armenia. In any case, France has always stood with Armenia, in its own way." Various areas of partnership between the two countries were also outlined.

Speaking about the "release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan," Retailleau stated: "My thoughts are with the 23 people, including Ruben [Vardanyan], tonight, who is risking his health and life for the values he believes in. I am thinking of them, and I hope that my words today will reach the borders of Azerbaijan so that the [Armenian] captives are released."

This episode serves as clear evidence that France has long become a full-fledged party to the conflict. For years, Paris has provided Armenia with political, financial, and military support. The French political establishment reached a consensus on unconditional support for Armenia long ago—even during the time when 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory was under Armenian occupation, accompanied by ethnic cleansing and the complete disregard of four UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

France is the very country that openly supports Armenian separatism. Numerous French cities have established twin-city agreements with settlements in Azerbaijan that were under Armenian occupation. Meanwhile, the French Senate adopted a resolution recognising the "independence" of the so-called "Artsakh"—a soap bubble inflated by global Armenian lobbying efforts.

France, together with Armenia, sought to condemn Azerbaijan at the UN Security Council—for restoring its own sovereignty and territorial integrity. The list could go on, but even this is enough to establish an undeniable fact: Baku does not care about France’s opinion on matters concerning Azerbaijan.

In Baku, an open and objective trial is currently underway for individuals accused of numerous specific crimes committed against Azerbaijan and its citizens. The defendants have been granted access to case materials, provided with interpreters, and given the right to legal defence. Some disagree with the charges, while others have declared a hunger strike—that is their personal choice.

Meanwhile, in Armenia, a certain Mane Tandilyan—previously funded by Ruben Vardanyan—announced a hunger strike in support of Ruben Karlenovich himself, only to quickly end it. So, by Yerevan’s logic, is the Tandilyan Show also somehow Azerbaijan’s fault?

Absurd? Undoubtedly. But this absurdity becomes even more striking when contrasted with the six-year captivity of Azerbaijani citizens Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev. Their “crime” was daring to visit their ancestors’ graves in the then-occupied Kalbajar region. They were denied the right to legal defence, Azerbaijani lawyers were not allowed access, and all demands for their release were systematically ignored. They only regained their freedom after Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day war.

And where were the French Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry, its president, senators, and deputies all this time? Silent. Even though it was a blatant violation of the rights of two Azerbaijani citizens.

Today in Baku, those who once called themselves “president” of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan are on trial. Those who led illegal armed groups, financed them and fought against Azerbaijan on its own land.

So, in Paris, Marseille, or anywhere else in France, they can gather for as many dinners, lunches, or breakfasts as they like—with politicians of any persuasion in attendance. They can raise toasts, deliver speeches, and make declarations. But none of it has any connection to reality.

The fate of the former leaders of the Karabakh junta will be decided by the Azerbaijani court. As for the rest—one "sister" can comfort the other however they please.