Nagorno-Karabakh (26 November 2020)
On 25 November, the Senate passed a resolution asking the French authorities to recognize the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. During the debates preceding the vote, M. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Minister of State for Tourism, French Nationals Abroad and Francophonie, reiterated the French Government’s position on the issue: France does not recognize the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Our responsibility as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair is to work towards a negotiated solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, particularly on the matter concerning Nagorno-Karabakh’s future status, and the outcome of that negotiation cannot unilaterally be determined beforehand. Our priority today must go towards guarantees for the safe return of people displaced because of the conflict in recent weeks. Speaking to the Senate, the Minister of State also noted that no State has, to date, recognized Nagorno-Karabakh.
As a responsible country, true to its values and commitment to peace, France remains determined in this context to see a lasting solution to the conflict, with requirements for security and dignity for the people in the region. France will continue doing everything in its power to stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus. It will remain committed, in the appropriate framework of Minsk Group Co-Chair, to making progress on all the parameters which still have to be negotiated following the ceasefire agreement of 9 November, inter alia as regards the departure of foreign mercenaries deployed during the conflict and the protection of the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
We also recall the structured humanitarian aid efforts set in train by France for the people affected by the conflict, as described in the communiqué the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs issued on 22 November.
Q – The Azerbaijani Parliament has proposed excluding France from the Minsk Group. What’s your response to that?
Q – The Senate is asking the Government to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. How will you respond to that vote?
Q – After the Senate adapted a resolution for the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijani Parliament proposed that the country’s Government ask the OSCE to remove France as a co-chair of the Minsk Group. What is France’s reaction?
A – I refer you to my statement today on Nagorno-Karabakh.