France touts UN Security Council action over Azeri encroachment on Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - France hopes to reach a settlement of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border through the United Nations Security Council, The Élysée Palace said in a statement on Thursday, May 13.

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province).

French President Emmanuel Macron and acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the matter over the phone on Thursday.

"The President of the Republic reiterated the commitment of France to the territorial integrity of Armenia and stressed the need for the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the territory of Armenia," the statement reads.

"France hopes that a resolution of the tense situation can be reached through the United Nations Security Council in order to restore stability and security in the region."

Macron later left a message on social media, including in the Armenian language, to express solidarity with the Armenian people: "Azerbaijani armed forces have crossed into Armenian territory. They must withdraw immediately. I say again to the Armenian people: France stands with you in solidarity and will continue to do so."