French MP Asks Pashinyan About Hopes for New Prisoner Exchange

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted Natalie Loiseau, a French member of the European Parliament and head of the delegation from La Republique en Marche, who is also the chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Pashinyan welcomed Ms. Loiseau and highly appreciated her pro-Armenian efforts in the European Parliament. The acting Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament, co-authored by Ms. Loiseau, which highlighted the issue of Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan and made emphasis on contributing to stability and peace in the region.

“I consider the call in the resolution for Turkey to accept and recognize the Armenian Genocide to be significant. I want to emphasize that this is not only a matter of confronting historical truth for us but also a very important component in the correct assessment and interpretation of our current situation,” said Nikol Pashinyan.

The acting Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of Armenia-EU relations and added that they have gained a dynamic nature.

“In June, I met with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Brussels, after which Oliver Varhelyi visited Armenia, during which it was officially announced that a package of support worth 2.6 billion euros would be allocated to Armenia. Two days ago, President Charles Michel of the European Council visited Armenia, where we specified our cooperation programs more concretely,” stated Nikol Pashinyan.

The acting Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of Armenia's relations with France: “We take pride in these relations and say that the Franco-Armenian relations have a special character. On June 1, I had a very important meeting with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and, of course, we believe that the further development and deepening of our relations with France should be a priority on our agenda. I also appreciate the role and interested participation that the President of France has in the constructive solutions to the security issues in our region,” highlighted Nikol Pashinyan.

Natalie Loiseau thanked for the warm hospitality and congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on the victory of the “Civil Contract” party in the elections. “You have shown that democracy is your paramount value. This is even more important considering the regional context. I come here as a representative of the European Parliament, specifically as the chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, but also as a French citizen, part of President Macron's government, which is, of course, aware of my visit. I have fought hard for the European Commission to remind Turkey of the need to recognize the Armenian Genocide, because it is impossible to build the future if we do not recognize the past. I will continue to be a friend of Armenia and the Armenians in the European Parliament, as many other French parliamentarians do,” said Ms. Loiseau.

She indicated that as the chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, she wants to know what more the EU can do to help stabilize and de-escalate the situation in the region. “I would like to know whether you have hopes for a new prisoner exchange, whether it is possible to continue demining efforts, whether it is possible to continue helping displaced persons, which the EU delegation is already doing, and what you think about the provocations taking place at the border, the most recent of which occurred just yesterday,” mentioned Ms. Loiseau.

She emphasized the preservation of the cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh and the potential for ensuring free access for international organizations for this purpose. “I would also like to know if there are things we can do to facilitate that access and ensure the preservation of the heritage. You just mentioned the president of the committee's visit; you received him, the commissioner, and now you are receiving the delegation from the parliament. I am very glad that Armenia is in the focus of the EU's attention. I would like to know which areas you would like to see a greater presence from the EU and which are the areas where you would like to see more French presence,” stated the Member of the European Parliament.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to Armenia-EU relations, the development of Armenian-French cooperation, and ongoing processes in the region. Nikol Pashinyan added that Ms. Loiseau is considered a great friend of Armenia and the Armenian people, stating, “You advocate for truth, democracy, and human rights, which adds particular weight to your activities.”