PARIS: In the wake of the surrender of the regime in Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, France has decided to provide military aid to Armenia. French Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna made the announcement during her visit to the Armenian capital, Yerevan. Colonna stated that France has given its approval for the sale of military equipment to Armenia, aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities in the aftermath of the conflict.
Although Colonna did not specify the exact armaments involved, she emphasized that France would handle this matter responsibly without escalating tensions. She also highlighted the continuous arming efforts of Azerbaijan, which have raised concerns among France and its Western allies. Azerbaijan’s rapid offensive against the region in September inadvertently led to the deaths of several Russian soldiers.
🎥 Conférence de presse conjointe de @MinColonna avec son homologue 🇦🇲 @AraratMirzoyan à Erevan en #Arménie, le 3 octobre 2023. @AmbaFR_Armenie pic.twitter.com/HCAkteSvag
— France Diplomatie🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo) October 4, 2023
France’s Proactive Stance on Nagorno-Karabakh
Armenia, traditionally allied with Russia, has been seeking support amidst these developments. France, with a significant Armenian diaspora, has taken a proactive stance. In addition to military aid, France has already provided €12.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Armenia. The country is also advocating for European Union penalties on Baku, although achieving this might prove challenging, considering the EU’s energy partnership with Azerbaijan.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a separatist enclave, had been in a protracted conflict with Azerbaijan for over three decades. Following the takeover, some ethnic Armenians have reportedly fled the area.
