The delegation of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, led by the Regional Council President, Laurent Wauquiez, was in Syunik on a two-day visit. The French delegation consists of regional Mayors (Valance, Desin-Charpierre, Vienne),), district council officials, representatives of economic, cultural, and educational circles, Armenian associations in France, and journalists from French and French-Armenian media.
Also in Syunik were the Ambassadors of Armenia to France and France to Armenia, other Armenian and French officials, and heads of charitable and public French organizations. Accompanied by Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan, Laurent Wauquiez, and the Ambassadors were on the road leading to Artsakh, up to the beginning of Lachin road, to make sure that the only road leading to Artsakh has been closed for about 110 days. At the beginning of the road, Laurent Wauquiez had a short briefing with journalists.
“In 2019, when I came to Armenia, I wanted our province, Auvergne-Roy-Alpes, to sign a cooperation agreement with Artsakh. It was an exceptional phenomenon, and for me, it was vital. My struggle today should be to draw the world’s attention to Artsakh, to remind the world that 150,000 people live on that land that these people do not have food or medical supplies, and the situation is catastrophic. And all this is done in silence, under the turning gazes. Today, the world’s attention is on Ukraine, which is understandable and necessary, but Artsakh should not be forgotten. If there is one, it does not mean there is no other. Both are equally important to me.
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There is a decision of the International Court, which must be respected. And what can France do? Exert maximum pressure to open the way for humanitarian aid as a first step. I desire to show the world that when they attack Artsakh, they attack the province of Auvergne-Roy-Alpes; when they encroach on Armenia; they encroach on France’s friendly country. I came to the starting point of Lachine to show that France is on Armenia’s side,” said Laurent Wauquiez.
According to his logic, Azerbaijan hopes to have promotions and settle here, and people will forget. “Azerbaijan should be reminded about International law; it should be constantly shown that people’s international rights are being violated. It should be said that we are not talking about the borders and demarcation of two sovereign states, but we are talking about the rights of 150,000 people,” said Mr. Wauquiez.
A cooperation agreement was signed between the Syunik and the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes regions of France in the Tatev monastery complex.
Armen DAVTYAN
