Araik Harutyunyan Signs Declaration in Lyon

A delegation led by the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, who is currently on a working visit to the French Republic, visited the city of Lyon on December 8, where a meeting took place with Vice Presidents of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council, Nicolas Daragon and Thierry Kovacs, as well as officials from the regional council.

According to the press service of the President of Artsakh, in his speech, President Harutyunyan noted that the development of bilateral relations with various administrative regions of France is one of the priorities of Artsakh's foreign policy agenda, and emphasized the need to further expand the traditionally established ties with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

During the meeting, the parties signed a joint declaration, expressing the belief that the conflict between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Artsakh can only be resolved peacefully, provided that human rights and international agreements are respected. The declaration also calls on France, the European Union, and the international community to remain united in defending the rights and territorial integrity of Armenia and Artsakh.

The declaration states that despite the trilateral statement signed on November 9, 2020, attacks and bombings against Armenia and Artsakh continue, indicating that Azerbaijan is not ready to respect the provisions of the statement or the obligations it undertook during subsequent negotiations.

“After attacking Artsakh, by shelling and specifically targeting civilians and infrastructure, Azerbaijan aims to create a trans-territorial corridor by force between its territory and Nakhchivan, cutting through the territory of Artsakh and the Syunik region,” emphasizes the declaration.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region reiterated its commitment to the principles and ideas of freedom, democracy, and equality, deeming the attacks along borders and bombings of civilians by Azerbaijan intolerable, which aim to force Armenia into concessions regarding Artsakh and accept Azerbaijani sovereignty over Artsakh.

During the visit, the President of the Republic also met with the Mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet. Issues concerning the further development of ties with the city of Lyon were discussed. The Mayor of Lyon assured that efforts towards the implementation of humanitarian programs in Artsakh will continue.