Statement from France: Arms support to Armenia will continue

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Elysee Palace. The two leaders held a joint press statement before their meeting.

Referring to the Armenians who lost their lives fighting for France during the Nazi occupation, Macron emphasized that they are aware of the "support the Armenians gave to the French resistance and the nation."

Stating, "You can count on France's support for Armenia's independence, territorial integrity, democratic path, and fundamentally its desire for peace," Macron expressed his appreciation for Pashinyan's "determination and courage" in pursuing that desire for peace.

Macron commented that this "determination" of Pashinyan was further solidified by Armenia's accession to the International Criminal Court at a time when "war crimes are being committed" on the European continent.

Noting that the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations would be discussed in his meeting with Pashinyan, Macron argued that recent developments in Armenia's Syunik region point to the existence of a "risk of escalation" on the ground.

MESSAGE TO AZERBAIJAN

Macron argued that Azerbaijan must remove "all ambiguities" regarding its respect for Armenia's territorial integrity, adding that working in "good faith" on the demarcation of borders is necessary for the withdrawal of troops from the border.

On the other hand, Macron argued that Azerbaijan has an obligation to ensure the safe and rapid return of those who left Karabakh and wish to return.

Macron stated that they would continue to support Armenia in the development of strategic infrastructure and to provide military equipment "in a spirit of responsibility and without any desire for escalation."

THANKS FROM PASHINYAN TO MACRON

Meanwhile, Pashinyan stated that the relations between France and Armenia are not only historical and economic, but that the two countries are connected by "deeper emotional ties."

Pashinyan thanked Macron for the steps he has taken to deepen and strengthen relations between the two countries.

Pashinyan argued that the strengthening of his country's defense capacity with the help of France should not cause concern and that their goal is to "ensure balance" in the region.

News Source: AA