Macron hails Karabakh truce after "French mediation"October 17, 2020 - 23:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France welcomed on Saturday, October 17 the humanitarian truce in Nagorno-Karabakh jointly announced by Armenia and Azerbaijan, which the Élysée Palace says comes after French mediation conducted over the last few days and hours, in coordination with the Minsk Group co-chairs. "This cease-fire must be unconditional and strictly respected by both parties," French president Emmanuel Macron said. "France will remain committed [to the issue] so that hostilities cease for a lasting period and that credible discussions can quickly begin." The truce is set to enter into force on September 18 midnight. Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and Syrian and Libyan mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages. Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |