According to diplomats, the French foreign minister will visit Armenia on Tuesday to examine the pressing requirements of the nation as it deals with the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and the possibility of Azerbaijani military actions on its soil.
In Paris, the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is a touchy subject. Over 100,000 people were forced to abandon the enclave a week after Baku gained control. MPs from all political parties have criticized the government for not doing enough to assist the ethnic Armenians.
Many are concerned that if Paris takes a mild stance on Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azeris may opt to invade Armenia.
Between 400,000 and 600,000 persons in France are of Armenian descent, constituting a significant lobby during election seasons.
“There is a bilateral aspect of political relations, to strengthen Armenia, whose isolation everyone can see,” said a French diplomatic source briefing media before Catherine Colonna arrived in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. In light of Russia’s apparent betrayal of Armenia during the past several weeks, France and its Western allies worry that Armenia and its current administration may falter.
Humanitarian help from Paris has already totaled 12.5 million euros, and according to Sebastien Lecornu, the country’s minister of defense, military aid is also available based on Yerevan’s requirements.
Although they acknowledge reluctance among some member states to do so barely a year after the group agreed to a significant energy agreement to replace Russian supplies, French officials have embraced the notion of slapping EU penalties on Baku. In Brussels, discussions are still going on. Meanwhile, French officials said they would strive to strengthen a civilian European mission near the border to dissuade Baku from considering more military action.
Armenia requires security assurances. Before Colonna’s visit, the first by a Western minister since the Azeri operation, a senior Armenian official stated, “If any country can provide it, whether it’s the UK, France, or the U.S., it’s extremely important.”
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