The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs never ignored the issue of the Nagorno Karabakh’s involvement in the conflict settlement talks, French envoy to Armenia noted commenting on former co-chair Bernard Fassier’s statement.

“Fassier, who earlier stressed the necessity of Karabakh’s involvement in the talks, is an experienced diplomat and has extensive knowledge of the issue, so I cannot really question his words,” Henri Reynaud said.

“I can only add that the OSCE MG will take every effort to promote the settlement. However, the MG is a mediatory mission and can only offer the settlement options to the conflicting parties, with the latters responsible for final decision.”

According to the envoy, with elections completed both in Armenia and Azerbaijan, the countries might come up with new suggestions. The ambassador also stressed the necessity of rapid settlement of the conflict, which prevents the development of the region, Armenia Today said.

According to Panorama.am, the envoy said that Armenia’s sovereign decision to join the Customs Union was accepted, with the country’s leadership having expressed a wish to continue relations with the EU.

“EU, as well, did not close its doors to further partnership with Armenia in a number of sectors and formats, such as administration, legal, etc., which are not covered by the Customs Union,” he noted.

The envoy offered no comment on reports suggesting Armenia was pressured by Russia into joining the Customs Union.

As he further noted, a new bill on criminalization of the Armenian Genocide hasn’t yet been submitted to the French parliament, according to Novosti-Armenia.