French Minister: Karabakh status should be decided on basis of right to self-determination

The order, stability and development in the region will be restored only in case of deciding on the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh, and France is going to accelerate this process in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.

French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Harlem Désir, who is also Member of the European Parliament, told the aforementioned at the French National Assembly today, responding to the question of the socialist MP Nathalie Nieson.

He also noted that the solution to Karabakh status can be found on the basis of the right of nations to self-determination.

In her inquiry, Ms Nieson noted that the clashed that have begun are the strongest in Nagorno-Karabakh since 1994, when the ceasefire was introduced. “This regime was violated by Baku, this resulting in casualties among civilian population and soldiers on both sides,” she said, adding that meanwhile the international community urges to peace and talks, Erdoğan supports the actions of Azerbaijan.

“Caucasus is a tinder box and some of its regions serve as a base for jihadists after the war in Chechnya. The Karabakh conflict should be immediately solved before everything in the region grows into a war,” the MP said, also reminding that France and Armenia are tied with close friendship.  

“What measures will France take in this non-stable region, and what solution can it propose?” Nathalie Nieson asked.

“Together with Russia and U.S., France is trying to find approaches to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the framework of Minsk Group. On Saturday the President of France urged to cease fire. The Government representatives got in touch with both Armenian and Azerbaijani sides and stated about the necessity to cease fire. These measures yielded results:  both sides ceased fire and haven’y yet violated the ceasefire. Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to receive the Minsk Group representatives, who will visit Yerevan, Stepanakert and Baku,” Harlem Désir responded.

“It’s necessary to finally find solution to this conflict, and not merely freeze it in the explosive region. The status quo is not in anyone’s interest. It’s time to make decisions. The order, stability and development in the region will be restored only in case of deciding on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. In the framework of the Minsk Group, France is going to accelerate this process on the basis of the following principles: no solution to conflict through force, respect to the integrity of the country and the right of nations to self-determination. And I insist on the last point!” the French Minister said.