VIDEO: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region of France to Attempt Sending Humanitarian Convoy to Artsakh

Laurent Wauquiez, the President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council in France, has stated that the violations of international rights by Azerbaijan in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Lachin corridor should not go unnoticed. He emphasized the need to take concrete actions.

Wauquiez made these remarks at a press conference held at the Armenian representation in Artsakh. He highlighted that he has been a friend of Armenia and Artsakh for many years and is shocked by the current situation surrounding both regions.

“In 2019, we met with representatives of Artsakh, and a cooperation agreement was signed between Artsakh and my region. In my region, we took a political stance to affirm the right to independence of Artsakh, which resulted in serious pressure from pan-Turkist terrorist organizations against me and even my family. Why am I here today? Because I know very well that all international attention is focused on Ukraine, and there is a significant danger that Armenia and Artsakh may be forgotten in this context. I am here to say that we do not forget you, you are not alone, and we must not allow silence to prevail or the violations of international law in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Lachin corridor to go unnoticed,” Wauquiez emphasized.

The President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council was at the beginning of the Lachin corridor two days ago to demonstrate to his compatriots that international law is being violated there, and that beyond that border, 120,000 people are deprived of all fundamental human rights.

“I was next to the governor of Syunik when he learned that just a day ago, there was an incursion where we were (in Tegh village). I have seen and can testify to the violation of international law. I have also seen the Azerbaijani flags waving on heights located on Armenian lands. I was also able to speak with displaced persons from Artsakh, and their words are deeply moving. As a politician, it is my duty to take action and be able to assist you at this moment,” Wauquiez stated.

The French politician stressed that we must not allow a situation to be established and stabilized where international law is not respected. He informed that they intend to organize a humanitarian convoy in collaboration with organizations representing the Armenian community in France, which will attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Artsakh.

“The convoy will be organized with the support of our region and will carry our regional flag. It will approach the Lachin corridor, and we will demand permission for it to proceed and reach Artsakh. Either the convoy will pass, and in that case, we will have opened a small door of hope, or the convoy will not be able to pass, and that will give us an opportunity to present this issue to international and European organizations to highlight once again that international law is being violated, and action must be taken,” Wauquiez stressed.