We want to organize in France, in Strasbourg and also in Paris, meetings with Armenians and Azerbaijani people, Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan Pascal Meunier said in an interview to APA.
"The time for reconciliation has come. It is also an approach supported by the European Union, which also has proposed to organize contacts between people. It is very important. You cannot reconcile two nations if they are told by governments that they are enemies. It is something that has to be done. I think it is understood by both sides of the conflict and we hope it will be reflected in actions," the Ambassador said.
When asked if frequent meetings in Paris mean that France is ready to play a more active role in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Meunier said that there is not any rivalry between the three co-chairs, they work together as a team. "Paris sometimes happens to be a very convenient place, because it is between the US and the Caucasus. But such meetings also took place in Krakow. So Paris is very happy to help, but it does not try to show-up," he said.
He said that many observers are not expecting a breakthrough in negotiations this year because of major elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan. "But it does not mean that it will be a lost year. I think it is a year to prepare new ideas and to discuss it with both sides. And, in itself, is also a step forward," the Ambassador said.