Is the French Ambassador Now in Baku or Not? A Question for the French Ambassador to Armenia

We need to start from somewhere and carry out the demarcation; Tavush is a good starting point. This was stated by the French Ambassador to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, in an interview with "Liberty."

“Liberty”: Given that virtually everyone’s main concern today is the demarcation in the Tavush-Ghazakh section, I will begin our conversation with this question. In recent days, we have heard several statements from Western and regional countries expressing their support for an agreement between Yerevan and Baku. Meanwhile, France, as the closest ally of Armenians in the West, has remained silent until now. What is Paris's stance on this issue?

Olivier Decottignies: It is good that the demarcation is starting. It is even better that it is based on the Alma-Ata Declaration. This is clearly a positive development that needs to continue; Armenia has demonstrated a willingness to make certain concessions based on the Alma-Ata Declaration, and we expect Azerbaijan to also make concessions. Azerbaijan currently occupies large portions of Armenian territory, and it needs to withdraw from those areas. The French Prime Minister recently reminded of this. Hence, we believe that this is a good development that needs continuity.

“Liberty”: Do you share the concern that effective demarcation cannot take place under the shadow of threats, the existence of which has also been recognized by the Prime Minister of Armenia?

Olivier Decottignies: We need to start from somewhere. Demarcation must begin and be carried out through negotiations. Tavush is a good starting point. We eagerly await the continuation of the demarcation within the framework of the principles that Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed upon in the Prague Declaration. This is the Alma-Ata Declaration, which establishes the international borders of the former Soviet republics, and the parties respect and recognize each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Liberty”: You said Tavush is a good starting point. Is it a good point, or was it the only possible option at that moment?

Olivier Decottignies: It has begun, and we must remain positive.

“Liberty”: A few opposition parties that criticize the government’s position on this issue recently announced that they are ready to meet with ambassadors from Western countries. Have you met with them, and what was your message?

Olivier Decottignies: I meet with them. However, I have not met on that specific topic. I have received offers and will certainly meet with them. In the face of Armenia, we have a friendly country, and the French embassy is open to all political forces in Armenia.

“Liberty”: In recent months, we have witnessed an unprecedented deterioration in French-Azerbaijani relations, resulting in Paris recalling its ambassador from Baku. However, last week, some Azerbaijani, including official media, reported that the ambassador has returned. Can you confirm this?

Olivier Decottignies: I am not the French ambassador to Azerbaijan.

“Liberty”: But you are aware of your colleague's situation, right?

Olivier Decottignies: I am not responsible for relations with that country. We have had and still have several issues with Azerbaijan, which our Minister of Interior clearly stated a few days ago—the issue of Azerbaijan's interference in our internal politics, particularly in the New Caledonia region. I have nothing to add to what the Minister of Interior said.

“Liberty”: Ultimately, is the French ambassador now in Baku or not?

Olivier Decottignies: I cannot say whether he is in Paris or Baku, but I can say that he is not in Shushi.