Concerned Statements Received from Baku: French Ambassador to Armenia

France is concerned about Azerbaijan's violation of Armenia's territorial integrity. The cooperation between France and Armenia in the defense sector, as well as the measures that France provides to Armenia, are entirely aimed at ensuring Armenia's defense. The two countries are building a long-term collaboration in this area.

“Armenpress” interviewed the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of France to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, regarding the relations between Armenia and France, cooperation in the defense sector, upcoming visits from France, and other issues.

- Mr. Ambassador, the relations between Armenia and France have received a new quality; Armenia and France signed documents on cooperation in the defense sector last year, for the first time, the Minister of Defense of France was in Armenia. What does this signify, and how do you evaluate the outcomes of the visit? Will the cooperation in the defense sector be long-term and deepen?

- This is not merely about defense cooperation. In the past 2-3 weeks, we have had a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Munich, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Pashinyan, was in Paris and participated in the burial ceremony of Misak Manouchian, a well-known member of the Resistance Movement of Armenian descent, at the National Pantheon. The President and the Prime Minister also met. Of course, the visit of the Minister of Armed Forces of France to Armenia was significant; this was the first visit of a French Minister of Armed Forces, also a minister from a NATO member country, which is quite important. We have had diplomatic relations with Armenia for 32 years; diplomatic relations with independent Armenia have been established since February 24, 1992, but they have never been as rich and as trustworthy as now. Yes, we are building long-term cooperation, including in the defense sector, which is not only about military acquisitions, which are certainly important, but also about training, including training of high-ranking Armenian officers. This is about consultancy. When there is an agreement between the two military academies of the two countries, as was signed during the visit of the French Minister of Armed Forces, you are certainly building long-term cooperation.

- Do you think this cooperation will expand?

- We are attentive to the needs of our Armenian partners.

- Mr. Ambassador, Azerbaijan is actively purchasing weapons from Turkey, Israel, and other countries, while Aliyev accuses France of arming Armenia and contributing to the escalation of tensions in the Caucasus region. Some circles also express the opinion that the EU, represented by France, wants to weaken Russia's role in the South Caucasus. How do you respond to this, and what interests does France have in cooperating with Armenia in the defense sector?

- Unlike the specific circles to which you are referring, we do not think in terms of spheres of influence; we think in terms of each state’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And this is indeed a concern not only for France. In recent years, Armenia's neighboring state, Iran, has also frequently expressed concern regarding Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have disagreements with Iran on many matters, but this is one area where we agree. And in reality, all UN member states should agree on this issue, because under the UN Charter, all member countries recognize and must support the integrity and sovereignty of other member states. This is a shared obligation. Regarding Azerbaijan's expressed concerns, they can be assured that the type of cooperation and the types of equipment we provide to Armenia are aimed at the country's defense; this is purely defensive.

Let me give you a good example: when we talk about air defense, if you do not intrude into Armenian airspace, you will never come into conflict with Armenian air defenses; this is a defensive capability.

- So can we say that defense cooperation is about Armenia's sovereignty?

- It is about protecting Armenia’s sovereignty, its territory, and its people. And this has been clearly stated from the very beginning: everything we provide—arms, equipment, training—corresponds to that purpose.

- Recently, the Prime Minister of Armenia stated that Azerbaijan is preparing for a new war against Armenia. There have been negotiations and meetings with the participation of France; what role can France play in preventing the impending new war?

- Concerned statements are being received from Baku. The Prime Minister and the Republic of Armenia will simply listen to and take into account these statements. France has played an important role in the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in achieving certain key elements, specifically during the agreement reached in Prague in October 2022 on mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity and resolving border issues based on the Almaty Declaration. This is our already existing contribution. Now we are supporting all efforts under the auspices of the European Union and the USA to reach a lasting, sustainable, and fair peace treaty. This is our position, and whatever can happen in that direction will also receive our support.

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