Last week, in Paris, I had the privilege of meeting with two distinguished members of the French Senate, namely Christophe-André Frassa, a prominent representative of the Senate of the Republic of France and the President of the Political Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of Francophonie, and Ronan Le Gleut, another esteemed member of the Senate.
During our discussions, we delved into the pressing issue of the rights of Armenians residing in the South Caucasus, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
I emphasized the distressing events that transpired during the 24-hour armed aggression on September 19, which saw the Republic of Artsakh subjected to ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijani forces, forcing its local population to leave their historic homeland in just three days, resulting in their current state of exile.
I highlighted that the decision by the President of the Republic of Artsakh to dissolve the nation under duress lacks international legal standing, in accordance with well-established principles within international conventions. Therefore, we assert the continued existence of the Republic of Artsakh.
Furthermore, I articulated the importance of the legitimately formed government and the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh convening sessions to address the realization of the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh, with a view to ensuring the secure return of its citizens to their homeland under the umbrella of international guarantees. It was also proposed that the precedent of Kosovo’s self-determination be extended to Artsakh.
Read also
I brought to the attention of my colleagues the precarious situation faced by the Republic of Armenia, highlighting the potential threat to both Armenia and its Armenian population if resolutions from international courts remain unresolved.
Azerbaijan’s persistent expansionist ambitions, marked by its occupation of approximately 140 square kilometers in three regions of Armenia and its joint demands with Turkey for an extraterritorial corridor through Syunik, were underscored. I stressed the invaluable role of France in preserving the sovereignty of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia in this context.
Additionally, I fervently advocated for the presence of international observers in Artsakh, which I believe can significantly alter the prevailing circumstances. I earnestly requested collective efforts in this direction.
Lastly, as an opposition representative, I noted that we often hear more pro-Armenian sentiments from France than from the authorities in the Republic of Armenia.
Our discussions also touched on deeply sensitive matters close to my heart, including the urgent return of our compatriots who were captured or went missing during the 44-day Artsakh war in 2020, as well as the unlawful cessation of search efforts by Azerbaijan. We also addressed concerns pertaining to the swift repatriation of captured citizens and state officials following the nine-month blockade.
My colleagues shared with me that the French Senate has already issued a resolute statement, emphasizing the imperative need to impose sanctions against Azerbaijan. It is noteworthy that certain members of the French Senate have faced retribution from Azerbaijan due to their principled stance, but they remain unwavering in their commitment to champion the truth.
Furthermore, Mr. Frassa conveyed that the Prime Minister of France, in response to inquiries from the senators, affirmed France’s commitment to providing arms to Armenia, aimed at safeguarding the security and well-being of its population.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of RA, whose powers have been illegally terminated, nonpartisan MP TAGUHI TOVMASYAN