France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized Baku for making new demands on Yerevan, despite the two countries’ agreement on the draft of a peace deal.
Speaking at a hearing in the French National Assembly on Wednesday Barrot expressed disappointment, calling Baku’s preconditions “unacceptable.”
“Azerbaijan is now demanding a revision of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. This new precondition is unacceptable and delays the signing [of the peace agreement],” Barrot said.
He also stressed that France is closely following the “trials” of Artsakh Armenians currently underway in Azerbaijan.
“France, as well as the European Union, whose mission has just visited the region, is closely following the situation of all arbitrarily detained [Armenians], and calls for their release as part of the ongoing settlement process,” Barrot emphasized.
“The South Caucasus must become a zone of peace and prosperity,” he added, stressing that the European Union can play its role in “contributing to the opening of borders and the opening of this region, for the benefit of the people of the region.”
“That is why we call for respect for sovereignty and respect for territorial integrity (…) within the framework of this peace treaty that must now be signed between the two countries,” added the French foreign minister.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada on Thursday rejected Barrot’s statements, accusing France of undermine the stability of the region.
“Questioning the legitimate demand to amend the Armenian constitution, which contains claims to Azerbaijani territories that have been discussed for the past two and a half years, while presenting it as a new precondition, is unacceptable,” Hajizada said. He further added, “If France, as it claims, indeed supports the early signing of a peace agreement, then it should encourage Armenia to take appropriate steps.”
“Regarding the calls for the release of individuals of Armenian origin accused or convicted of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, military aggression, torture, and other serious offenses, we emphasize that it is Azerbaijan’s right to investigate and prosecute such crimes,” the Azerbaijani spokesperson said.
“We demand France to cease its steps that do not serve peace and undermine stability in the region,” Hajizada concluded.
