The Issue of Syrian Mercenaries Withdrawal from Artsakh Not Included in Tri-party Statement: French Foreign Ministry Secretary

The issue of the withdrawal of Syrian mercenaries from Artsakh is not included in the tri-party statement signed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, and the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan. This was reported by Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of France, during a press conference.

He stated, “There are issues mentioned in the statement that are not included. For example, the question of the withdrawal of Syrian mercenaries from Artsakh, as well as the question regarding Artsakh's potential future status. There are issues related to ensuring stability and security, and for that reason, negotiations need to continue under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group. This desire has, by the way, been expressed by both the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities.”

Lemoyne noted that President Emmanuel Macron was the first to name things as they are and mentioned that Syrian mercenaries have been transferred to the conflict zone in Artsakh by Turkey. He added, “France is expecting concrete actions from Turkey to withdraw the mercenaries from the region. France also wants its European partners to discuss the imposition of sanctions against Turkey. Naturally, we will continue to be consistent in addressing these political issues to achieve these results,” concluded Lemoyne.