Armenia follows way to democracy - French FM 

ArmInfo. The struggle of Armenians and French for freedom is a common value that both countries share. This was stated by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on September 16 in Yerevan.

"Today, visiting Yerevan, I also want to express France's support to  Armenia and the Armenian people, despite the obvious threats and  hostility that Russia is showing, wanting to suppress the Republic of  Armenia. Despite this, Armenia continues its path towards democracy  and freedom. Moving forward step by step, implementing each stage,"  the French diplomat said.

At the same time, he emphasized that Armenia can always rely on  France's support in protecting democratic values. In this vein,  Sejourne added that France provides assistance to all countries that  are fighting for these values.

"France is always by your side. There are few topics in France on  which all political forces agree. Armenia is one of the few such  topics," he noted. At the same time, he added that he discussed the  process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with  Mirzoyan and noted that France is promoting the earliest possible  signing of an agreement that will establish stable peace in the South  Caucasus, with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity  of states, based on the Alma-Ata Declaration. 

"The same ideology was proposed to society in Prague in October 2022.  We also fully support the process of delimitation and demarcation of  the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The establishment of peace  in the South Caucasus will allow for the establishment of regional  trade, which in turn will contribute to prosperity, including in  Armenia," the French diplomat continued.

According to him, Armenia wants peace, France wants peace and the  entire international community wants peace. "And since Azerbaijan  will soon host the UN Climate Summit (COP29), it is its  responsibility to demonstrate that it sincerely wants to achieve this  peace before this event. And I believe that we need to move forward  on this agenda at a rapid pace," Sejourne said. 

At the same time, he expressed confidence that the activities of the  EU civilian mission in Armenia should be continued, since their  presence contributes to stability. The head of the French Foreign  Ministry also supported the proposal of the Armenian side to create  mechanisms for investigating incidents, and added that he intends to  discuss this issue with the Prime Minister of Armenia. "You can be  sure that we will support you on European platforms," the French  diplomat continued. In this vein, Sejourne called the launch of a  dialogue on visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU important.

In conclusion, he emphasized that France will continue to assist  Armenia in various areas, including energy, sustainable development  and humanitarian sphere. At the same time, he informed that a French  specialist will soon be sent to the Ministry of Territorial  Administration of Armenia, who will assist the Armenian side in  developing this area. "We will continue to assist Armenia in the  defense sector. Armenia must be able to defend itself and its  population. Interaction in this area is normal between friendly  countries. We do this while respecting the sovereignty of all  countries," he noted, also supporting the initiative of the Armenian  government "Crossroads of Peace".