This is Another Manifestation of Aggression Against Armenia: European Parliament Member

French Member of the European Parliament Nicolas Bay believes that Turkey and Azerbaijan's ambitions towards Armenia have not changed since the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and over a hundred years later, Armenia faces similar threats and challenges.

In an interview with Armenpress, Nicolas Bay discussed the EU-Armenia relations as well as developments occurring in the South Caucasus region.

“As a Frenchman and European, I can affirm that we and the European Union stand in solidarity with Armenia, and this solidarity is based on a common civilization that we share. Armenia is the first Christian country, which creates a bond between the people of Armenia and the EU. On the other hand, due to its geopolitical position, Armenia is constantly targeted by neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey, who aim to recreate a great Ottoman Empire. As Frenchmen and Europeans, we must stand by the Armenians and never leave them alone,” Bay stated.

The European Parliament member added that even after 105 years, everyone witnesses the same challenges and manifestations of aggression. “Azerbaijan's complete occupation of Artsakh and the ongoing ethnic cleansing is proof of this. Artsakh has been Armenian territory for centuries, and now its churches and sacred sites are being turned into mosques, which erases Armenian identity. There are European institutions and some countries that ignore these issues based on their economic and political interests, but we sincerely show our solidarity and support to Armenians by representing the reality and voicing the problems that concern the Armenian people,” the interviewee said.

According to him, the fact that Azerbaijan does not release Armenian prisoners is another manifestation of aggression against Armenia. The MEP emphasized that there is no territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but rather discussions related to borders; the historical fact is that the people of Artsakh, he argues, should have the opportunity to live securely in their land.

Regarding the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the reality that the parties have agreed on the content of the peace treaty, Nicolas Bay noted that there is a very legitimate desire for peace from Armenia and the Armenian people, and overall, the security of Armenians should be a crucial prerequisite. “Of course, it is understandable that the Armenian government is trying to realize the peace treaty while avoiding contentious issues, but Azerbaijan is advancing new demands, obstructing the process, and even showing claims over Armenia’s territorial integrity. It is evident that Azerbaijan does not actually wish to sign the peace treaty by putting forward new preconditions, thus derailing the normalization process. A peace treaty is certainly desirable, but it must be based on two important and inviolable components, one of which is Armenia's territorial integrity and the other is the security of the Armenian people,” said the MEP.

Nicolas Bay noted that Armenia has always desired peace and can receive the unconditional support of the international community and international organizations in that regard. According to him, France and European countries committed to maintaining Christian values are in solidarity with Armenia.

Speaking about Armenia-EU relations, our interviewee emphasized that Europeans, particularly the French, want Armenia to always be respected and protected, taking into account civilizational and Christian values, and that political, economic, financial, and trade ties with Armenia should be strengthened in the coming years. “I believe that visa facilitation can contribute to strengthening ties between European nations and Armenians, and since we have a common civilizational background, we are therefore in favor of visa facilitation while also creating security conditions. But all this should be demonstrated not only in words but also in actions. The facilitation of free movement between European nations and Armenians should undoubtedly be an important component of the strength of these ties, especially since visa facilitation is a very legitimate process. We have good experience with the Armenian community in France. Armenians are our fellow citizens, they are hardworking, and they have contributed significant cultural wealth to our country,” concluded the French MEP.