"NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT CANNOT BE SETTLED THROUGH MILITARY ACTIONS, " RA PRIME MINISTER SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Sep 6, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The visit of the representative
delegation of the Socialist Party of France, besides the development
of interparty relations, will contribute to the strengthening of
Armenian-French relations, as well as development of cooperation. This
statement was made by Serge Sargsian, the Prime MInister of the
Republic of Armenia, on September 6, when he received Francois Holland,
the First Secretary of the above-mentioned party, and the delegation
headed by him.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the recent active
development of bilateral relations during the meeting, and the holding
of an Armenian year in France , as well as a French year in Armenia
with numerous and various measures, the mutual visits of the Presidents
of the two countries, to name but a few, speak about this fact.

At the request of his interlocutor, Serge Sargsian introduced the
current political and economic state of Armenia, the development
prospects, as well as the possibilities directed at a further
strengthening of Armenian-French relations, in the spheres of politics,
economy, education, culture, as well as in many others. Speaking about
regional problems, the Prime Minister referred to the settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, intoducing the approaches of Armenia. Serge
Sargsian expressed hope that this conflict will be solved in a peaceful
way as a result of negotiations due to the mediation of the OSCE Minsk
Group. He stressed that this problem cannot be solved by military
actions. He also mentioned that France as well is conducting great
work in this direction as a co-presiding country.

During the meeting Francois Holland referred to the recognition
issue of the Armenian Genocide, and mentioned that the bill adopted
in the French parliament was the initiative of the French Socialist
Party. According to him, the party is currently working out a new
bill on setting a punishment for denying the Armenian Genocide.

The RA Prime Minister thanked his interlocutor and the party
headed by him for their activities directed at the development of
Armenian-French relations, as well as for the friendly attitude they
have always displayed towards Armenia. Serge Sargsian stressed that
each Armenian, naturally, has respect for those people, organizations,
and individuals, who contribute not only to the restoration of
historical justice, but, henceforth, also to the prevention of such
crimes directed against humanity by their activities inclined to the
recognition and condemnation of genocides.