Chairman of the Group of Friendship France-South Caucasus of the French Senate, Senator Andre Reichardt, sent letters of protest to Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, and the Minister for Decentralization and the Civil Service, Mme Marylise Lebranchu in connection with the visit of Bako Sahakyan - representative of the separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh, established in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan on May 17-19 of this year
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in France told that, Bako Sahakyan’s visits to France were characterized as “a serious diplomatic incident affecting the interests of country”.
The letter recalls that more than 20 years, Armenia continues the occupation of the 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, that is, Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts, contrary to the international law declaring itself independent and creating "public institutions" the separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized by any state.
It is noted on the letters that considering the difficulty of the conflict established the OSCE Minsk Group on the purpose of settlement of the conflict and France is one of the countries of Co-chairs, and because of this reason France’s position is closely watched in the region.
The senator, in his letter emphasizes that: "France has always recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and demanded the termination of the Armenian occupation. The visit of the "president" of the separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh Bako Sahakyan and signing of the “Charter of friendship and cooperation" with the French regions and can cause serious damage to the French-Azerbaijani relations”.
"The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which require the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from occupied Azerbaijani territories and the return of displaced persons to their homes. Unfortunately, these resolutions remain unfulfilled to this day", the letter said.
Senator Andre Reichardt further emphasized that today, when Europe mobilized against the annexion of the Crimea, we can expect a similar reaction in relation to the Azerbaijani territories.
Chairman of the France-South Caucasus Friendship Group emphasized that France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, should contribute to resolving the conflict and the restoration of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and it can not support the actions steps in favor of “fait accompli” situation".
While the two heads of state support the widening and deepening of the bilateral French-Azerbaijani relations, it would be wrong to break the balance achieved. In April, President Hollande and Aliyev agreed to hold the first meeting on interregional cooperation.
Senator Andre Reichardt demanded Ministers condemn these actions, verify the legitimacy of signed documents, and to inform it of the measures that will be taken by ministers in connection with the appeal.
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