Armenian Diplomats Foil Azerbaijani Plot at Francophonie Summit

The 18th summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) held in Jerba, Tunisia, concluded on November 20 with the adoption of several documents, including a resolution concerning "Crisis Situations, Their Resolution, and the Strengthening of Peace in the Francophonie," in which member states express their support and solidarity with Armenia.

According to Armenpress, the resolution particularly emphasizes solidarity with Armenia and expresses deep concern regarding the recent military escalation stemming from Azerbaijan's aggression against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia. This includes violations of international law, territorial integrity, and international humanitarian law.

The organization encourages the parties involved to make maximum efforts towards a negotiated, peaceful, and lasting resolution of the issues with the assistance of international partners, while respecting international law principles, including the inviolability of territorial integrity and international borders in accordance with the UN Charter. It calls for a strict adherence to the ceasefire.

The resolution highlights the importance of avoiding new escalations and calls for the full implementation of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. It also welcomes efforts toward a peaceful and just resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The resolution addresses humanitarian issues as well. The organization expresses concern over unresolved humanitarian issues, particularly regarding prisoners of war and other detained persons, as well as the fate of missing persons. The OIF also voices concerns about the destruction of cultural heritage and supports UNESCO's efforts in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories.

Furthermore, the Jerba Declaration of Francophonie members thanks Armenia for presiding over the Francophonie summit for the past four years and expresses solidarity with Armenia in the context of the security challenges the country faces.

However, it has been reported that, as acknowledged by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry in its own statement, the day before the resolution was accepted at the OIF ministerial meeting, the Azerbaijani side attempted to thwart the adoption of the resolution expressing support and solidarity in its current form through the organization’s member Albania, with the backing of Romania and Moldova.

According to sources from bagramyan26, these countries even attempted to involve other members in their adventurous plot, but this conspiracy, which matured under the auspices of Azerbaijan, was prevented thanks to Armenian active and multi-tiered diplomacy, and the resolution was passed as originally formulated, favorably for Armenia.