AZG Armenian Daily #123, 30/06/2007

Foreign Relations

"FRENCH PEOPLE’S SUPPORT TO ARMENIA WILL NEVER CEASE"

Interview With Ambassador of France to Armenia

– Mr. Ambassador, what do you think about the development of
diplomatic, political, economical and cultural relations between
Armenia and France after the parliamentary and presidential elections
in Armenia and France?

– I think it is obvious that the presidential elections both in
Armenia and France will bring noi essential change into the bilateral
relations between our states. The present state of our relations is
satisfactory for Armenia and France, but both the sides are willing to
enhance the cooperation. No doubt, the cooperation shall go on not
only on highest governmental level, but the contacts between
associations, cities and regions shall also enrich our dialogue.

– Shall France have an essential role in the peace process on
Nagorno-Karabakh, as the state presiding in the EU?

– In the frameworks of the OSCE Minsk Group France, together with
Russia and the USA, is striving to find a solution to the conflict in
Nagorno-Karabakh. Of course, France could have beeen satisfied just by
the EU assistance to the process of Karabakh conflict’s
settlement. Nevertheless, the Minsk Group is the most convenient
format of finding solution to the Karabakh conflict.

– What do you think, how can the vast Armenian community of France and
the eight-million Diaspora help establishing true democracy in
Armenia, when the Government has begrudged them dual citizenship even
after it was approved by Constitutional referendum?

– Naturally, France encourages the progress of democracy in Armenia,
but interfering its relations with the Diaspora is beyond its
authority.

– Taking into consideration the political crisis in Turkey and the
position of official Ankara about the Armenian genocide, what will be
the position of the new government of France on Turkey’s admittance to
the EU?

– Those issues are attended in France with great interest. The newly
formed Government has not come to any certain opinion on that
question. At this moment I would rather avoid any comment.

– What would you like to say to our readers in Armenia and the
Diaspora?

– I would not only send message of confirming firmness and longitude
of our relations, which is proved by continual contacts on all the
levels, but also assure that the support of the French people to
Armenia shall never cease.

Questions suggested by Hamo Moskofian