France ‘concerned’ over Armenia’s border security

French Ambassador Jonathan Lacôte on Wednesday expressed his country’s concern over the military escalation along Armenia’s state border with Azerbaijan, agreeing that the recently reported hostilities "amount to a violation of the established ceasefire regime".

“I am fully aware of the ongoing military operations on the territory of the Republic of Armenia, especially the Gegharkunik region. Our minds are with the soldiers, as we perfectly realize that all this is taking place against the backdrop of a continuing deterioration of the situation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border,” he told reporters at a press conference dedicated to the historiographic excavation by Erebuni Museum.

The diplomat also reiterated France’s call for reiterating the political process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, stressing the importance of employing “fair methods” and ruling out force or any other influence.

Ambassador Lacôte said he is also aware of his country’s ongoing dialogues with Russia and United States as part of the OSCE Minsk Group efforts towards de-escalating the tension (as a precondition to initiating political processes).

“Our main concern at the moment deals with the situation along the borders of Armenia. It is naturally on our mind as we never forget about the clauses enshrined in the November 9 agreement [i.e. – the Russia-brokered ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan]. They are still problematic, especially when it comes to the release of all the prisoners of war being held in Azerbaijani captivity,” he added.

As for Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Armenia, the ambassador refrained from announcing a specific date, saying that the President of France “will come to Yerevan once his visit is deemed useful for assisting in the political processes in the region”. “We will see at that moment what possible document may be signed between Armenia and France,” he added.