Armenian MP, French Senators discuss consequences of Azerbaijani  aggression against Artsakh, Armenia

ArmInfo.Armenian MP Taguhi Tovmasyan posted the following message on her Facebook account. 

"Last week, in Paris, I had the privilege of meeting with two  distinguished members of the French Senate, namely Christophe-Andr‚  Frassa, a prominent representative of the Senate of the Republic of  France and the President of the Political Commission of the  Parliamentary Assembly of Francophonie, and Ronan Le Gleut, another  esteemed member of the Senate. 

"During our discussions, we delved into the pressing issue of the  rights of Armenians residing in the South Caucasus, particularly in  light of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian  conflicts.

"I emphasized the distressing events that transpired during the  24-hour armed aggression on September 19, which saw the Republic of  Artsakh subjected to ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijani forces, forcing  its local population to leave their historic homeland in just three  days, resulting in their current state of exile.

"I highlighted that the decision by the President of the Republic of  Artsakh to dissolve the nation under duress lacks international legal  standing, in accordance with well-established principles within  international conventions. Therefore, we assert the continued  existence of the Republic of Artsakh.

"Furthermore, I articulated the importance of the legitimately formed  government and the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh  convening sessions to address the realization of the right to self-  determination for the people of Artsakh, with a view to ensuring the  secure return of its citizens to their homeland under the umbrella of  international guarantees. It was also proposed that the precedent of  Kosovo's self-determination be extended to Artsakh.

"I brought to the attention of my colleagues the precarious situation  faced by the Republic of Armenia, highlighting the potential threat  to both Armenia and its Armenian population if resolutions from  international courts remain unresolved. 

"Azerbaijan's persistent expansionist ambitions, marked by its  occupation of approximately 140 square kilometers in three regions of  Armenia and its joint demands with Turkey for an extraterritorial  corridor through Syunik, were underscored. I stressed the invaluable  role of France in preserving the sovereignty of Artsakh and the  Republic of Armenia in this context.

"Additionally, I fervently advocated for the presence of  international observers in Artsakh, which I believe can significantly  alter the prevailing circumstances. I earnestly requested collective  efforts in this direction.

"Lastly, as an opposition representative, I noted that we often hear  more pro-Armenian sentiments from France than from the authorities in  the Republic of Armenia. 

"Our discussions also touched on deeply sensitive matters close to my  heart, including the urgent return of our compatriots who were  captured or went missing during the 44-day Artsakh war in 2020, as  well as the unlawful cessation of search efforts by Azerbaijan. We  also addressed concerns pertaining to the swift repatriation of  captured citizens and state officials following the nine-month  blockade.