France-Artsakh Friendship Framework to Support Artsakh

The members of the France-Artsakh Friendship Framework welcome the proposal by the President of the French Republic to implement practical programs and intend to contact relevant ministries to explore the conditions for their implementation.

On January 29, the President of the French Republic delivered a speech at the annual dinner of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations in France (CCAF). This is the second consecutive year that Emmanuel Macron has participated in this annual event, following the tradition set by his predecessors.

Responding to questions posed by the co-presidents of the CCAF, Mourad Papazian and Ara Toranyan, the President declared that "human dignity and solidarity are inseparable," and he touched upon the situation surrounding the self-determined Republic of Artsakh. Reminding of France's responsibility as a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, Emmanuel Macron stated that Paris "will give priority to the right that serves the peoples."

“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the co-presidents of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations in France for representing the expectations of the people of Artsakh from France—our Republic, which they consider a reputable country that acts as a protector of peoples and is uncompromising in fundamental issues of human rights,” noted Guy Tessier, president of the France-Artsakh Friendship Framework.

The President also elaborated on the friendship agreements signed between cities of France and Artsakh, most of which have been annulled by administrative courts following lawsuits by prefects acting on the instructions of ministries. In a bid to calm the situation, the President acknowledged that "the application of the law does not preclude dialogue" and stated that he now wishes to "move forward in a realistic and effective manner."

In this regard, Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that "direct dialogue will be established on one side between the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior, and on the other side with local authorities that have similar intentions, so that we no longer oppose each other and can find more effective measures."

Detailing his proposal, the President suggested, "Let’s discuss within a working group to allow local authorities that wish to provide support to the population of Artsakh to make effective and legally appropriate decisions. If the goal is cultural or humanitarian assistance, we will find the legal framework to make them feasible."

The Friendship Framework welcomes the progress in the President's stance and will follow up to ensure its implementation. "My goal is precisely the actualization of developmental projects in education and humanitarian sectors with Artsakh," highlighted member of the framework, Pascal Doll, the mayor of the city of Arnouville, whose signed Friendship Agreement has been annulled by an administrative court.

“In the coming weeks, many members of the framework and I will contact the Ministry of the Interior to examine how such cooperation can be practically implemented while respecting the rule of law and the values of the Republic,” emphasized the mayor of Arnouville.

The Friendship Framework is ready to promote established cooperation with the local self-governing bodies of Artsakh in line with this recent presidential initiative and to develop constructive relations between France and Artsakh.