A draft resolution circulating in the French National Assembly calls on the French government and the European Union to increase pressure on Azerbaijan in order to expedite the signing of a peace treaty with Armenia and secure the release of Armenian prisoners unlawfully held in Baku.
The initiative was co-authored by Laurent Wauquiez, head of the Republican Right faction and chair of the France-Armenia Friendship Group, along with Alexander Martin, the group’s deputy chair, reports Armenpress.
The resolution notes that France, as a friend of Armenia, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and a key player in the European Neighborhood Policy, has both a historic and political role in supporting Armenia’s peace efforts in the region. Within this context, it stresses the need to sign a France-Armenia strategic partnership agreement, based on democracy, human rights, security, and development.
The resolution also demands the immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and other detainees held in Azerbaijan, denouncing ongoing sham trials. These are described as part of Azerbaijan’s broader policy of denying Armenia’s existence and erasing Armenian populations and heritage in all territories under Azerbaijani control.
In light of these concerns, the French lawmakers’ resolution calls on the French government and the EU to intensify pressure on Azerbaijan to hasten peace with Armenia and secure the release of POWs. It urges the French government to finalize and promptly sign the strategic cooperation agreement with Armenia, and calls on the EU to expand political, economic, military, educational, scientific, and cultural cooperation with Armenia.
