Wednesday, December 7 2022 12:33

ArmInfo. Respecting the right of the people of Artsakh to self- determination and recognizing the results of the realization of that right is the only way to  settle the conflict, which guarantees the proper level of rights and  security of the people of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, President of  the Republic of Artsakh, stated at a meeting with the leaders of all  political groups of the Senate and officials of all factions of the  National Assembly of France, an official report reads. 

The meeting addressed issues related to the Azerbaijani-Karabakh  conflict settlement, Artsakh-France relations and regional processes.  Special attention was paid to the development of interparliamentary  ties.

Speaking of Artsakh's interest in the development of relations with  France, particularly its legislative body, the President highly  appreciated the consistent efforts of the Senate and the National  Assembly aimed at settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict.  "The resolutions adopted by the French Senate and the National  Assembly regarding Artsakh are a good basis for a comprehensive and  permanent settlement of the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan.  Respecting the right of the people of Artsakh to self- determination  and recognizing the results of the realization of that right is the  only way to settle the conflict, which guarantees the proper level of  rights and security of the people of Artsakh," Arayik Harutyunyan  highlighted.

Expressing gratitude to the parliamentarians for the adoption of the  resolutions, the Head of the State noted that these decisions are a  political message and fully correspond to the political traditions of  France based on the principles of freedom, equality and fraternity.  According to the President, currently the most important task is to  make these political messages a reality, to give them real power. In  that context, the President expressed hope that the works towards the  recognition of the Republic of Artsakh will be completed by the  executive power of France, which will allow preventing a new genocide  of Armenians in their homeland.

The Head of the State voiced hope that the resolutions adopted by  both Houses of the French Parliament that call for the recognition of  the Republic of Artsakh will serve as an example for other countries  of the world.

Arayik Harutyunyan also presented the post-war situation in Artsakh  to the French parliamentarians. In particular, he noted that Artsakh  is connected to Armenia and the external world by a single road, the  5 km wide Lachin Corridor. "Azerbaijan wants to cut that only and  last link with the world, strangling Artsakh.  We want the Lachin  Corridor to have additional international guarantees to ensure  uninterrupted connection of Artsakh with Armenia and the external  world," the President noted.

According to the Head of the State, Artsakh anticipates also the  active involvement of France in the implementation of humanitarian  programs, the return of captivated Armenians and the preservation of  endangered Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in the  territories occupied by Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of  Armenia to France Hasmik Tolmajian and ARF bureau member, co-chairman  of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France  (CCAF) Mourad Papazian were also present at the meetings.

Other meetings are also planned during the visit.