CoE should suspend Armenia's membership - COMMENT

Armenia has no place in the Council of Europe as it fails to meet the obligations of international organizations, renowned French writer Gerard Cardonne told Report's local bureau.

According to him, international bodies should take a tougher stance against the occupying states.

"The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a global problem. Armenia has occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani lands. This country has no place in the CoE since it does not meet the requirements of the Council of Europe or the United Nations. Why do we need an international organization that welcomes an aggressor?"

Cardonne stressed that Armenia is still dreaming of a "Greater Armenia".

"France also once ruled Europe. Napoleon had conquered everywhere. However, we returned to our previous borders, and now do not intend to occupy other peoples' lands anymore. But Armenia continues its policy of occupation."

Gerard Cardonne

The French writer also said that Armenia has now a country hit by poverty due to its wrong policy, and its young people have been forced to leave the country en masse. "Armenia has a rich country like Azerbaijan in its neighborhood. However, it is deprived of income because of the wrong policy. The pipelines to Europe crossing through the neighboring countries bypass Armenia," he emphasized.

Cardonne holds the titles of an officer of the French Legion of Honor and commander of the Order of Lafayette. In 2010, he was conferred with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. His works translated into many languages, including German, English, Bosnian, and Dari.