France 'committed' to banning weapons supply to Azerbaijan

The French authorities conscientiously abide by their internationally binding legal commitment to ban weapons supply to Azerbaijan, the French ambassador to Armenia said on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference, Jonathan Lacote also agreed that any such armament would pose real hazards to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in the light of Azerbaijan's potential threats to use them against the country.

Meantime the diplomat denied the Azerbaijani media’s recent reports that France has lifted its earlier restrictions.

The ambassador also addressed the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers’ recent meeting in Brussels, considering it very “desirable and awaited” in the negotiation process.

He further reaffirmed the French authorities’ position ruling out any settlement scenario implying use of force.


“Only a peaceful settlement can offer real solutions to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. That idea was expressed by President of [the French] Republic Emmanuel Macron at his meeting with [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan,” Mr Lacote said, admitting at the same time the heavy value of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for the Armenian society.