Loiseau: I See a People Who Want To Live in Peace With Their Neighbors, and a Leadership That Is Sounding the Alarm That the Country Is in Danger

In a recent session at the European Parliament on Armenia-EU relations, Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defense of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need for swift action to establish peace in the South Caucasus. Loiseau commended Armenia's aspirations for peace while expressing concerns about the challenges the nation faces.

Loiseau highlighted the impact of Azerbaijan's actions, stating, "Azerbaijan de-Armenianized Nagorno-Karabakh, occupied a part of the territory of Armenia, and continues to make new demands." She also spoke about Russia's withdrawal of support for Armenia, a nation that has “embraced democracy, implemented reforms, and collaborated with the International Criminal Court. Armenia's decision to freeze participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)” was noted, with Loiseau suggesting that the organization offers little assistance.

Having recently visited Armenia, Loiseau proudly acknowledged France's support for the country. France actively engages in the defense sector, conducting exercises, offering advice, and providing military equipment to aid Armenia. "France's steps for that country are commendable. It assists Armenia to prevent further attacks and restore the balance of power," stated Loiseau.

Expressing a call to action, the French member of the European Parliament urged other European states to follow France's example and promptly work towards establishing peace in the South Caucasus. Loiseau stressed that mere engagement in peace negotiations is insufficient; a collective effort is required to persuade Baku and Moscow to respect the democratic choices made by the Armenian people.

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“Let's return to Armenia. I see a people who want to live in peace with their neighbors, and a leadership that is sounding the alarm that the country is in danger.

Azerbaijan de-Armenianized Nagorno-Karabakh, occupied a part of the territory of Armenia, Baku keeps making new demands. Russia abandoned Armenia, which has taken the path of democracy, is implementing reforms, cooperates with the International Criminal Court, has frozen participation in the Russian-dominated security organization [i.e. the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)], which offers nothing.

I have returned from Armenia, and I am proud of France's steps for that country. It assists Armenia in the defense sector by conducting exercises, providing advice, and providing military equipment.

France offers its support to Armenia to prevent further attacks on that republic and restore the balance of power. Other European states should follow France's example and act quickly to establish peace in the South Caucasus. Solely engagement in the [peace] negotiations is not enough, they are proceeding, although slowly, we must convince Baku and Moscow to respect the democracy adopted by the Armenian people,” said the French member of the European Parliament.