France's foreign ministry declares it does not recognize the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that "Paris does not recognize the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh."

“As a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, it is our obligation to work towards a resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through negotiations, particularly regarding the future status of Artsakh, and the outcome of these negotiations cannot be predetermined and unilateral,” stated the French ministry.

The announcement noted that today France's priority must be ensuring the safe return of displaced persons as a result of the conflict.

France, as emphasized by the ministry, is "fully determined to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict, taking into account the security and dignity requirements of the peoples in the region, and will continue to do everything to stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus.”

“Paris will continue its commitment under the co-chairmanship of the Minsk Group, moving forward with all the parameters that still need to be agreed upon after the ceasefire agreement signed on November 9, particularly regarding foreign mercenaries and the protection of the region's historical and cultural heritage,” the statement said.

On November 25, the French Senate adopted a resolution regarding the recognition of Artsakh's independence, with a vote of 305 in favor and 1 against. A total of 306 senators participated in the vote.

Armenia and Artsakh welcomed the resolution of the French Senate, while Azerbaijan criticized it.