Baku expects Paris to step up efforts to settle Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijan has high expectation from France to step up efforts to tackle the severe consequences of the Armenian aggression.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the remark in a congratulatory message to France's President Francois Hollande on the occasion of the country's national holiday.
He noted that France is interested in establishing peace and stability in South Caucasus.
"We have great expectations from France as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, and personally yours, Mr. President, to step up efforts to eliminate the severe consequences of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan and find a speedy and just solution based on international law to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which was followed by the occupation of 20 percent of our territory displacement of our people," President Aliyev underscored.
Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus neighbor that had caused a lengthy war in the early 1990s. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenia's withdrawal from the Azerbaijani territory, but they have not been enforced to this day.
President Aliyev further said Azerbaijani-French relations have developed in accordance with their rich historical traditions. He said the high-level political contacts between the two countries, constantly expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic sphere, multilateral and sustainable humanitarian and cultural ties are some of the characteristic features of the Azerbaijani-French relations.
President Aliyev wished President Hollande good health, success in works, and a permanent welfare and prosperity for France's friendly people.
Bastille Day is celebrated on 14 July each year. The French National Day commemorates the beginning of French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of French people on 14 July 1790. Celebrations are held throughout France.
On this day, many large-scale public events are held in France including a military parade in Paris. Service men and women from various units, including cadets from military schools, French Navy and Foreign Legion participate in the parade.