Davit Babayan: French Foreign Ministry’s Response is of ‘Anesthetizing’ Significance for Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS: The response by France's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to Azerbaijan's note of protest on some French parliamentarians' visit to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is of "anesthetizing" significance for Azerbaijan, according to Davit Babayan, head of the central information department of the Office of Artsakh Republic President.

The French Foreign Affairs Ministry stated today that "France, as well as other representatives of the international community, including Armenia, do not recognize the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh." The statement also mentioned that the official status of the NK can be decided in a peaceful and fair way acceptable for all the parties concerned.

"We consider this response quite natural, as Artsakh is not recognized internationally yet. The hysterical noise by Azerbaijan is its business: it shows Azerbaijan's true face. I do not think the Europeans do not have a corresponding assessment of such a hysterical behavior at least for themselves," Davit Babayan said.

He added that the number of international high-level visits by French delegations increases. "A wide spectrum of practical and personal ties is created in the result of such visits. It is quite important for us to deepen the cooperation in the international framework."

Guy Teissier, Jacques Remiller, Georges Colombier, and Valerie Boyer – French National Assembly deputies, members of Union for a Popular Movement – are on a visit to Nagorno Karabakh from August 20 to August 25.

During the visit, as earlier reported by Armenpress, the French deputies were received by Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan. He emphasized France's role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, and highly appraised France's activities as a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group.

The French parliamentarians also met some NKR National Assembly deputies, as well as visited Artsakh's Khachen and Vank communities and Gandzasar monastery complex.