ArmInfo. "As you know, France is fully committed to the peace process, and I have actively supported our special envoy to the South Caucasus, Brice Roquefeuil's work, which he carried out at the instructions of President Macron and Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, who visited Armenia in April this year," outgoing French Ambassador to Armenia Anne Louyot said in an interview with the ARMENPRESS news agency.
French Ambassador to Armenia Anne Louyot has called for a political solution to end the violations of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement and guarantee the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno Karabakh, while France will continue to do what's possible to ensure progress, in coordination with the EU and the United States.
"We've condemned the blockade of Lachin Corridor, which is seriously harming the population of Nagorno Karabakh, since December, and we have called for the implementation of the International Court of Justice ruling on restoring traffic along the corridor. We welcome the ICRC efforts aimed at mitigating the consequences of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade, but a political solution must be found to end the violations of the 9 November 2020 statement and to guarantee the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno Karabakh. The global instability resulting from the aggression unleashed by Russia against Ukraine doesn't ease the work, but we continue to be mobilized. That's why France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, initiated UNSC sessions in September and December of 2022 on Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. France, in coordination with the EU and US, will continue to do what's possible to ensure progress in the negotiations process," she said.
As regards her visits to Armenia's border regions affected by the Azerbaijani shelling in Syunik and her opinion of Azerbaijan's conduct, the French diplomat said:
"France supports the consistent efforts of the EU and the United States in this direction. The EU civilian mission, launched on 23 January, 2023, is contributing to the peace process in border regions through monitoring works. The result of this monitoring contributes to the EU's mediation efforts, but we must further strengthen efforts in order for the territorial sovereignty and human rights to be respected.
"The close and permanent consultations between our two governments and President Macron and Prime Minister Pashinyan reflects our commitment and desire to expand the international community's support for a fair and lasting peace. We are working in this direction."
Summing up her diplomatic mission Louyot said:
"Being assigned to Armenia has special importance for a French diplomat, due to the ancient ties uniting our two peoples, which, as Anatole France said, belong to the same family. The pantheonization of Missak and Melinee Manouchian, ethnic Armenians who were French by conviction, symbolizes the closeness of our two nations. I was especially impressed by the resilience of the Armenian people, ability to make future plans despite the difficult situation resulting from the 2020 war. I highly appreciate the unique hospitality of Armenians, their ties to their history and wonderful heritage, as well as openness for other cultures and faiths. The Armenian people can be a link even between countries which sometimes have contradicting interests. This is an important ability, which I hope it will remain committed to."
As to what legacy she is leaving behind for the new ambassador, she said:
"New ambassadors always continue their predecessor's work, based on the instructions by their ministry, but they also bring their own ideas and energy. I am sure that my successor Olivier Decottignies will continue the projects we started and will launch new ones.
"In addition to cooperation areas that need to be strengthened, I would mention the economy, where we need additional efforts from both sides in order to involve many French enterprises who want to start activities in Armenia. Huge work has been done, particularly thanks to the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to improve Armenia's business environment, which is commendable. I've maintained regular contact with French companies that are working here, whose example should encourage other enterprises to benefit from the opportunities that Armenia's healthy economic environment has to offer. In this sense, targeted and sectoral promotion actions could be useful.
"The French University of Armenia must also be strengthened, whose significant commitment jointly with the universities of Lyon and Toulouse gives the chance to provide high quality education to 2000 Armenian students. I hope that the project to relocate the university will be successful with support of the two governments. And finally, the EU programs aimed at Armenia's development can serve to encourage the activities of French organizations in Armenia based on clear, jointly approved strategies. A stronger Armenia is a developed Armenia."