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"FRANCE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE SELF-DECLARED GOVERNMENTAL BODIES IN NAGORNO KARABAKH"
APA
July 13 2012
Azerbaijan
The interview of French ambassador to Azerbaijan Pascal Meunier to
APA on occasion of the National Holiday of France - Bastille Day
- How do you estimate the perspectives of development of bilateral
relations between Azerbaijan and France?
- After restoration of Azerbaijan's independence, the relations
between our countries had a privileged character: "These relations
that were established due to friendship and mutual respect
uniting Jacques Chirac and Heydar Aliyev were continued by the
impulse given by President Ilham Aliyev. Recall that Ilham Aliyev
chose France for his first visit. The visits that have occurred at
inter-parliamentary, ministerial and presidential levels over the last
20 years both propelled forward these relations and gave a significant
diversification to them. The concrete realization of these relations
is the establishment of French Lyceum in Baku. This idea was suggested
during Paris meeting of President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Ilham
Aliyev in December, 2009 and a corresponding agreement was signed
between the countries during President Sarkozy's visit to Baku on
October 7, 2011.
The bilateral relations in economic sphere developed largely. Thus,
according to the figures of Azerbaijan's foreign trade statistics,
the trade turnover was USD 4, 645 bln in 2011. It turned France
into Azerbaijan's 2nd degree partner. France turned into the second
purchaser of oil products after Italy. Of course, our sales are well
below and at the level of USD 608 mln. This sphere is also developing
with 6.2% growth dynamics. Our companies hold good positions in
high technology sphere and support Azerbaijan in the development of
economy. Azerbaijan's AZAL Company refills its park with "Airbus"
planes and ATRs considered for short- distance flights. "Eurocopter"
furnishes "Silkway". The radars of "Thales" company contribute to
the country's civil security. "Arienespace" will place into orbit
Azerbaijan's first "Azsat" satellite from Guinea-based Kuru space
port early 2013. Besides, France is satisfied to bring the goods of
beautiful life and delicate taste to Azerbaijan.
Our companies are not satisfied with providing goods and services, they
also contribute to the modernization of infrastructure in Azerbaijan.
French companies in oil sphere "Air Liquide" and "Tecechnip",
members of group of companies on oil and oil products express desire
to participate in great industrial projects like SOCAR's "Star"
(in Turkey) and "Ogpc" (in Azerbaijan).
Cultural exchange has never been so intensive as today. "Plaisirs de
France" ("Pearls of France") exhibition attracted more than 40,000
visitors in the Art Museum, this is a record! Many directors of French
institutes arrived in Baku for the opening ceremonies, met with their
counterparts and planned new projects. The progress is observed on
some of them (for example, between the Carpet Museum and Pompidou
Center). "Fly Bakou" exhibition that was organized in Paris with the
assistance of Heydar Aliyev Foundation had a sensational success.
The construction of French Lyceum will give new dynamics for presence
of French language in Baku and give an opportunity for Azerbaijani
children to study in French language that is impossible today.
- What will be your main priorities as an Ambassador of France to
Azerbaijan? What spheres do you plan to develop more?
I would prefer three spheres: At first, to strengthen the political
dialogue. As you may know, a new government is formed in France. It
is important for those passing political decisions in both countries
to meet. It is necessary for giving an impetus to our cooperation
and exchanging view on big international problems. France, as a
co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, intends to play its role in full
within the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In this context,
I am glad that the foreign ministers of both countries can meet in
the near future.
As regards the issues on respect of individual freedoms and
human rights, as you may know, France is closely related to these
fundamental values, which deeply strengthened in the genes of our
compatriots and established our republican society. France wishes to
accompany the Azerbaijani government and people in way of political
reforms and democracy modestly, but with empathy and attentively. We
welcomed the latest positive orders by the Azerbaijani leadership
(release of 9 participants of 2 April rally in 2011; establishment
of dialogue forum with civil society and opposition; "Crossing Views"
(Carpaz BaxıÅ~_ TV program project that holds debates with the civil
societ nd opposition) and we, like our European partners, will pay
attention to the respect of public freedoms in Azerbaijan.
Secondly, developing our economical exchanges and cooperation. Big
companies of France have already operated in the hydrocarbon, cosmos
and ecology spheres in Azerbaijan. With my counterparts in Paris we
considered to strengthen cooperation in the other spheres including
agriculture, urban development and national security spheres. I
intend to establish French-Azerbaijan chamber of trade, as recently
established in Paris, in Baku as soon as possible for strengthening
the relations between small and middle enterprises of Azerbaijan
and France.
Thirdly, we must develop our relations. The first superiority is the
construction of lyceum. The leaderships of two countries attach great
importance to this issue. I also intend to research and learn the
strengthening methods of teaching French language with the universities
and schools of Azerbaijan.
- In May the delegation of French senators visited the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan- Nagorno Karabakh. In this regard the
Ministry of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan sent a letter to MF of
France and put the names of the senators to "black list". How would
you comment that?
-The senators and deputies are elected representatives of people,
as noted in the French Constitution, division of powers exists
in France and they are free in their acts, positions and visits
within the authority. In no case, they have no authority to express
the official position of France, because this authority belongs
only to the French government. France, like the other countries,
recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and it means that
France doesn't recognize self-declared governmental bodies in Nagorno
Karabakh. This position of France has never changed from the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict up to know.
- The meeting of the ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia was held
on the 18th of June in Paris. What steps can France, as OSCE Minsk
Group co-chair country, take to resolve the conflict?
-France, as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, has been actively
implementing the mediating role between Azerbaijan and Armenia since
ceasefire. France attempts to improve the communication between
the countries at ministerial and presidential level, at the same
time by the means of civil society. It is a long-term and difficult
work, but France continues to propel this work forward decidedly
and continuously and the meeting of the foreign minister in Paris
on June 18 has shown it again. This meeting, which was held with
the participation of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers at
the first time after several months pause, gave an opportunity to
hold negotiations in the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
considering the Sochi Declaration which was signed by the Azerbaijani,
Armenian and Russian presidents on January 23, 2012. We also spoke
in Paris about the development of humanitarian aids, prevention
mechanism of ceasefire violation and protection of historical and
cultural areas. The co-chairs also expressed their deep concern about
the latest incidents occurred on the frontline and underlined the
importance of observation of agreement on ceasefire signed in 1994.
On the other hand, France, Russia and the US conduct work for full
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Incidentally, it played a
significant role in drawing of Madrid principles, which are adopted by
the both conflict parties as a basic document for negotiations. But
despite the above-said, as the history has repeatedly showed us,
irrespective of the countries, the peace can not be brought from
outside, because the peace is a fruit of compromise of both parties
that are in a conflict. Termination of sufferings of thousands of men,
women and children can be a decision only of both sides.
- The Armenian lobby is very active in France. Does not this fact
affect on preconception of France as the country's co-chair in conflict
resolution process?
- Yes, there is a minority of Armenian origin in France, and this
minority, like the people of Africa, the Mediterranean Sea or
Eastern Europe, left their countries, which were destroyed most of
all by wars and crisis. These minorities play an active role in the
economic, political and public life of our country. This fact is a
result of republic integration and desire of people who struggled for
peace, freedom, equality and brotherhood principles and the fact of
dissolution of privileges 300 years ago.
On the other hand, we can't deny the efforts made by Azerbaijan in
order to be known and heard in France. Our countries and societies
cooperate in political and economical spheres, as well as they create
balanced and rising relations on the firm base in the cultural sphere.
It means that Azerbaijan is more and better known in France.
APA
July 13 2012
Azerbaijan
The interview of French ambassador to Azerbaijan Pascal Meunier to
APA on occasion of the National Holiday of France - Bastille Day
- How do you estimate the perspectives of development of bilateral
relations between Azerbaijan and France?
- After restoration of Azerbaijan's independence, the relations
between our countries had a privileged character: "These relations
that were established due to friendship and mutual respect
uniting Jacques Chirac and Heydar Aliyev were continued by the
impulse given by President Ilham Aliyev. Recall that Ilham Aliyev
chose France for his first visit. The visits that have occurred at
inter-parliamentary, ministerial and presidential levels over the last
20 years both propelled forward these relations and gave a significant
diversification to them. The concrete realization of these relations
is the establishment of French Lyceum in Baku. This idea was suggested
during Paris meeting of President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Ilham
Aliyev in December, 2009 and a corresponding agreement was signed
between the countries during President Sarkozy's visit to Baku on
October 7, 2011.
The bilateral relations in economic sphere developed largely. Thus,
according to the figures of Azerbaijan's foreign trade statistics,
the trade turnover was USD 4, 645 bln in 2011. It turned France
into Azerbaijan's 2nd degree partner. France turned into the second
purchaser of oil products after Italy. Of course, our sales are well
below and at the level of USD 608 mln. This sphere is also developing
with 6.2% growth dynamics. Our companies hold good positions in
high technology sphere and support Azerbaijan in the development of
economy. Azerbaijan's AZAL Company refills its park with "Airbus"
planes and ATRs considered for short- distance flights. "Eurocopter"
furnishes "Silkway". The radars of "Thales" company contribute to
the country's civil security. "Arienespace" will place into orbit
Azerbaijan's first "Azsat" satellite from Guinea-based Kuru space
port early 2013. Besides, France is satisfied to bring the goods of
beautiful life and delicate taste to Azerbaijan.
Our companies are not satisfied with providing goods and services, they
also contribute to the modernization of infrastructure in Azerbaijan.
French companies in oil sphere "Air Liquide" and "Tecechnip",
members of group of companies on oil and oil products express desire
to participate in great industrial projects like SOCAR's "Star"
(in Turkey) and "Ogpc" (in Azerbaijan).
Cultural exchange has never been so intensive as today. "Plaisirs de
France" ("Pearls of France") exhibition attracted more than 40,000
visitors in the Art Museum, this is a record! Many directors of French
institutes arrived in Baku for the opening ceremonies, met with their
counterparts and planned new projects. The progress is observed on
some of them (for example, between the Carpet Museum and Pompidou
Center). "Fly Bakou" exhibition that was organized in Paris with the
assistance of Heydar Aliyev Foundation had a sensational success.
The construction of French Lyceum will give new dynamics for presence
of French language in Baku and give an opportunity for Azerbaijani
children to study in French language that is impossible today.
- What will be your main priorities as an Ambassador of France to
Azerbaijan? What spheres do you plan to develop more?
I would prefer three spheres: At first, to strengthen the political
dialogue. As you may know, a new government is formed in France. It
is important for those passing political decisions in both countries
to meet. It is necessary for giving an impetus to our cooperation
and exchanging view on big international problems. France, as a
co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, intends to play its role in full
within the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In this context,
I am glad that the foreign ministers of both countries can meet in
the near future.
As regards the issues on respect of individual freedoms and
human rights, as you may know, France is closely related to these
fundamental values, which deeply strengthened in the genes of our
compatriots and established our republican society. France wishes to
accompany the Azerbaijani government and people in way of political
reforms and democracy modestly, but with empathy and attentively. We
welcomed the latest positive orders by the Azerbaijani leadership
(release of 9 participants of 2 April rally in 2011; establishment
of dialogue forum with civil society and opposition; "Crossing Views"
(Carpaz BaxıÅ~_ TV program project that holds debates with the civil
societ nd opposition) and we, like our European partners, will pay
attention to the respect of public freedoms in Azerbaijan.
Secondly, developing our economical exchanges and cooperation. Big
companies of France have already operated in the hydrocarbon, cosmos
and ecology spheres in Azerbaijan. With my counterparts in Paris we
considered to strengthen cooperation in the other spheres including
agriculture, urban development and national security spheres. I
intend to establish French-Azerbaijan chamber of trade, as recently
established in Paris, in Baku as soon as possible for strengthening
the relations between small and middle enterprises of Azerbaijan
and France.
Thirdly, we must develop our relations. The first superiority is the
construction of lyceum. The leaderships of two countries attach great
importance to this issue. I also intend to research and learn the
strengthening methods of teaching French language with the universities
and schools of Azerbaijan.
- In May the delegation of French senators visited the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan- Nagorno Karabakh. In this regard the
Ministry of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan sent a letter to MF of
France and put the names of the senators to "black list". How would
you comment that?
-The senators and deputies are elected representatives of people,
as noted in the French Constitution, division of powers exists
in France and they are free in their acts, positions and visits
within the authority. In no case, they have no authority to express
the official position of France, because this authority belongs
only to the French government. France, like the other countries,
recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and it means that
France doesn't recognize self-declared governmental bodies in Nagorno
Karabakh. This position of France has never changed from the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict up to know.
- The meeting of the ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia was held
on the 18th of June in Paris. What steps can France, as OSCE Minsk
Group co-chair country, take to resolve the conflict?
-France, as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, has been actively
implementing the mediating role between Azerbaijan and Armenia since
ceasefire. France attempts to improve the communication between
the countries at ministerial and presidential level, at the same
time by the means of civil society. It is a long-term and difficult
work, but France continues to propel this work forward decidedly
and continuously and the meeting of the foreign minister in Paris
on June 18 has shown it again. This meeting, which was held with
the participation of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers at
the first time after several months pause, gave an opportunity to
hold negotiations in the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
considering the Sochi Declaration which was signed by the Azerbaijani,
Armenian and Russian presidents on January 23, 2012. We also spoke
in Paris about the development of humanitarian aids, prevention
mechanism of ceasefire violation and protection of historical and
cultural areas. The co-chairs also expressed their deep concern about
the latest incidents occurred on the frontline and underlined the
importance of observation of agreement on ceasefire signed in 1994.
On the other hand, France, Russia and the US conduct work for full
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Incidentally, it played a
significant role in drawing of Madrid principles, which are adopted by
the both conflict parties as a basic document for negotiations. But
despite the above-said, as the history has repeatedly showed us,
irrespective of the countries, the peace can not be brought from
outside, because the peace is a fruit of compromise of both parties
that are in a conflict. Termination of sufferings of thousands of men,
women and children can be a decision only of both sides.
- The Armenian lobby is very active in France. Does not this fact
affect on preconception of France as the country's co-chair in conflict
resolution process?
- Yes, there is a minority of Armenian origin in France, and this
minority, like the people of Africa, the Mediterranean Sea or
Eastern Europe, left their countries, which were destroyed most of
all by wars and crisis. These minorities play an active role in the
economic, political and public life of our country. This fact is a
result of republic integration and desire of people who struggled for
peace, freedom, equality and brotherhood principles and the fact of
dissolution of privileges 300 years ago.
On the other hand, we can't deny the efforts made by Azerbaijan in
order to be known and heard in France. Our countries and societies
cooperate in political and economical spheres, as well as they create
balanced and rising relations on the firm base in the cultural sphere.
It means that Azerbaijan is more and better known in France.