French President Emmanuel Macron called this Thursday, October 3, 2024, for the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan “as soon as possible”, indicates the Élysée in a press release.
The Head of State received Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian for a “working lunch”, on the sidelines of the Francophonie Summit which will be held in Villers-Cotterêts on October 4 and in Paris on October 5
During this interview, Emmanuel Macron reiterated “France’s determination to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia as well as the aspirations of the Armenian people for peace and democracy”.
Call for finalization of a peace treaty
“In this context, he recalled his attachment to the ongoing discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to reach, as soon as possible, a peace treaty in strict compliance with international law and in the interest of all the peoples of the region”, said the Elysée again.
The two countries have been in conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave under Azerbaijani sovereignty mainly populated by Armenians, taken back militarily by Baku in September 2023.
The two parties agree on 80% of the points of a potential treaty, affirmed the Armenian Prime Minister on September 27 at the UN forum. Nikol Pashinian stressed that Yerevan would like to sign the agreement based on the already approved points. But Azerbaijan demands that all points be settled.
Baku demands that Armenia change its Constitution on the grounds that it is based on a reunification treaty between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
A requirement seen by Western diplomats as a “delaying maneuver” from Baku not to sign an agreement.
“Strengthen bilateral cooperation between France and Armenia”
Azerbaijan, with its gas riches and a modernized army reinforced by Turkish weapons, has until now appeared to be in a strong position in the negotiations.
But while the country has gained international visibility (Baku is the host of COP29 in November), pressure from the international community is increasing for an agreement to be signed before this major meeting dedicated to the climate.
Emmanuel Macron and Nikol Pashinian are also “agreed to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation between France and Armenia”.
The two countries have developed their defense ties, with the training of Armenian soldiers by the French and the acquisition by Yerevan of French ground-to-air defense systems.
After its military defeats, Yerevan felt abandoned by its traditional ally, Russia, and began looking for other support.
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