Armenia PM says he expects France to recognize Karabakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that he expects France to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.

In an interview with TV5 Monde TV channel, Pashinyan said an adequate response amid Azerbaijan's aggression would be for European countries, the international community, individual nations to find strength in themselves, take a decisive step and recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"On behalf of the Armenian people, Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, I would like to express satisfaction with the French President’s sincere, outright and truth-based position," Pashinyan said.

"To be honest, I expect the French President to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, since I do believe that there is simply no other way to address the concerns raised by Emmanuel Macron in the current situation; because it could turn into a major humanitarian tragedy; because terrorism can spread over and infect the entire region in a broader sense. And, of course, it is a direct threat to global security, given the Turkish factor. I really expect France to directly recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh."

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey, launched a large-scale offensive against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27, shelling Armenian positions and civilian settlements with large caliber weapons and rocket systems. Armenia and Karabakh have introduced martial law and total mobilization. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. International and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages, as well as the iconic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi.

Donations can be made to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which has launched a fundraising campaign to support Karabakh amid Azerbaijan's aggression.