Head of Azerbaijani diaspora organization appeals to French senators

The Association of Friends of Azerbaijan (AFA) in France appealed to the head of state and the Senate of this country over the draft resolution presented by six senators against Azerbaijan, the State Committee for Work with Diaspora said, Report informs.

The appeal addressed on behalf of the President of the Association, Jerome Lambert, says that the resolution on the relations between France and Azerbaijan will be discussed on November 15.

He urged the senators not to adopt this resolution, which would create difficulties between the two countries: "We again ask you to show an official position that will not involve the French government in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan."

Lamber explained this position by the fact that the text of the resolution does not fully respond to the current situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan and even contradicts the developments that have taken place in recent months. He recalled that the UN Security Council repeatedly condemned Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands, and France voted for all resolutions condemning the Armenian occupation. Two years ago, Azerbaijan, exercising its right to defend its territorial integrity, ended the 30-year occupation of neighboring Armenia.

It was pointed out that until now, the international community has never condemned Azerbaijan. Currently, the situation in the Karabakh region is stable, and Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly admitted in recent months that France recognized Azerbaijan's internationally accepted borders before the occupation of Armenia. However, despite Azerbaijan's serious efforts to establish peace and normalize relations after the bilateral agreement signed in November 2020, the current situation is disliked by the nationalist extremist circles of Armenia, and they are trying to commit new incidents.

The President of AFA believes that the provocations, the continuation of planting mines in the border areas, refusing to withdraw the Armenian armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan, and open communication and transport links, contrary to the tripartite declaration and agreements, are unacceptable.

Regrettably emphasizing that such extremist forces are supported by the Armenian diaspora and have found ways to convince some senators in France, the AFA president said this is an inappropriate initiative in terms of international law, as well as the establishment of peace and normal relations between countries: "Because France must communicate with all nations. Unfortunately, some representatives of the influential French community in our national territory have a desire for "revenge". However, this is against the ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It seems that France and the European Union, because of the actions of the extremists in the Armenian diaspora, have lost the legitimacy to take a position as a negotiating party."

Lambert warned that negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are progressing: "Recently, in Prague and Sochi, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity in joint statements! It means that the "resolution" presented to you does not reflect the current situation."

He said that adopting the draft resolution, even if it does not reflect France's diplomatic position, may isolate the country a little from the complex realities of these territories, their history, and the peoples it calls for interaction. However, France must act in accordance with the mutual relations with these nations and must be able to maintain the best spirit that will create opportunities for influence in this region, which exists near the borders of Europe and at the intersection of many civilizations.

At the end of the appeal, Lambert urged the senators not to vote for a retrograde resolution that does not reflect reality and the current situation: "France should work for peace, and its parliamentary representatives should not create problems between communities. It should do the opposite."

Coordination councils of Azerbaijani diaspora organizations operating in various countries also joined the appeal.