Philippe Lefort: It is necessary to assist the activity of the Minsk Group

YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS:

The Deauville statement of the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group countries warns to restrain from the usage of force and urges the parties to sign an agreement over Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement principles, the Head of the Continental Europe Department of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Philippe Lefort told Armenpress, in response to the question about possible impact of the Deauville statement on the settlement of the conflict. "We really want this call to be heard and parties to start main negotiations over the NK conflict settlement. The coming summit in Kazan provides such opportunity. We hope that it [opportunity] will not be lost", the French top official pointed out.

In response to the question about the talks on replacing France in the Minsk Group with the EU, Philippe Lefort said the Minsk Group co-chaired by the United States, Russia and France is actively working toward finding solution to the conflict.

He said the Minsk Group managed to win the trust of the parties and does not spare an effort for finding solution. "We must give credit to their mission and continue it, like the EU does, and assist its activity", the diplomat said.