France does not negotiate with rebel Azeri region’s leaders – official
French Secretary of State Herve Novelli has said France’s position
on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh is
unequivocal and Paris backs Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, the
Azerbaijani embassy in France said Friday.
"Paris recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders. It does not recognize Nagorno Garabagh, just like all other countries, including Armenia. This position has been repeatedly stated by the government."
France, which is committed to this position of principle, does not communicate with the "de facto authorities" of the rebel region, and this self-proclaimed entity has no representation accredited with the French government, Novelli said.
Novelli was responding to a query from a member of the French Senate committee on foreign policy and defense, Nathalie Goulet, regarding the government's position on representation of the self-proclaimed Nagorno Garabagh Republic in France, addressed to Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.
Secretary of State Novelli, who was addressing a session of the Senate on behalf of Kouchner, said only Bernard Fassier, the French co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group brokering Garabagh settlement, who is recognized by the Azerbaijani government, is authorized to visit Nagorno Garabagh and hold meetings there.
Novelli noted that the recent visit by several members of the French National Assembly to Nagorno Garabagh is their responsibility and it does not reflect France’s position.*
"Paris recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders. It does not recognize Nagorno Garabagh, just like all other countries, including Armenia. This position has been repeatedly stated by the government."
France, which is committed to this position of principle, does not communicate with the "de facto authorities" of the rebel region, and this self-proclaimed entity has no representation accredited with the French government, Novelli said.
Novelli was responding to a query from a member of the French Senate committee on foreign policy and defense, Nathalie Goulet, regarding the government's position on representation of the self-proclaimed Nagorno Garabagh Republic in France, addressed to Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.
Secretary of State Novelli, who was addressing a session of the Senate on behalf of Kouchner, said only Bernard Fassier, the French co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group brokering Garabagh settlement, who is recognized by the Azerbaijani government, is authorized to visit Nagorno Garabagh and hold meetings there.
Novelli noted that the recent visit by several members of the French National Assembly to Nagorno Garabagh is their responsibility and it does not reflect France’s position.*
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