Azerbaijani Authorities Conducting Illegal Arrests in Artsakh, Says Armenian PM

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna. According to the Prime Minister's office, during the meeting, Pashinyan welcomed the visit of the delegation led by Minister Colonna to Armenia.

“First, I would like to thank you personally, France, and President Macron for being clear in support of Armenia during these difficult times, and for expressing a clear stance regarding ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Essentially, Nagorno-Karabakh has fallen victim to ethnic cleansing, and unfortunately, it was not possible to activate international mechanisms to respond. Essentially, we are dealing with the actualization of previously declared ethnic cleansing. In this regard, I must emphasize that the humanitarian crisis that we had in Nagorno-Karabakh has now been transferred to the Republic of Armenia,” said Pashinyan.

He further stated that the Armenian government is currently managing the influx of compatriots forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh under certain control, with their most vital needs being met with the support of the state and several international partners. “However, of course, the Armenian government needs direct financial assistance from international partners in order to address both medium-term and long-term humanitarian issues. I consider it very important to address bilateral agenda issues between our countries in this environment. These are, of course, issues of political dialogue, cooperation in international platforms, and economic cooperation,” the Prime Minister added.

Catherine Colonna expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and conveyed President Emmanuel Macron's greetings to the Prime Minister. “I am glad to be returning to Yerevan a few months after my previous visit, although I wish my visit could have taken place in less tragic circumstances for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. Just like in April, I see familiar and friendly faces around the table, which is certainly very pleasant in the complex world we live in now. My visit is simply another manifestation of the friendship that France holds for Armenia and a demonstration of solidarity beyond friendship. Our solidarity has manifested throughout the year. Alongside the worsening humanitarian crisis and overall humanitarian situation, the volumes of aid have increased, and I am proud to say that France is always where it needs to be,” emphasized Colonna.

The French Foreign Minister also added that France has planned €12.5 million in humanitarian aid for Armenia and assured that this assistance will continue if needed. The participants of the meeting also discussed Armenian-French cooperation and exchanged views on issues related to processes occurring in the region, as well as other topics of mutual interest.