C an France become the first country to recognise Artsakh’s sovereignty? Recently, the Armenian community in France tries to achieve this goal through various means.

On October 13, through the efforts of the Coordinating Council of the Armenian Organizations (CCAF) in France, large rallies for the Artsakh Republic’s recognition took place in front of the National Assembly, with 6000 Armenians and French, including a number of officials. Co-chair of the CCAF Murad Papazyan spoke during the rally, thanking President Macron for his statements, as well as for his active work in the CSTO Minsk Group and calling not to stop pro-Armenian actions. French National Assembly deputy, socialist Francois Poupon also made a speech, proposing that France should become the first European country to recognise Artsakh and if necessary, withdraw from the Minsk Group, renouncing neutrality.

October 13, in front of the French National Assembly

After this statement, Poupon submitted a resolution to the National Assembly, calling for an immediate recognition of the Artsakh Republic and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the local authorities. Based on October 16 data, over 20 deputies from various political parties called for the recognition of Artakh.

This can be considered to be the first step for the Artsakh recognition, however it is a long process. In order to be discussed in the Parliament, one of the factions still has to propose, which can be done once a month.

Before that, on October 4, about 170 French politicians, including the mayor of Paris, socialist Anne Hidalgo and Laurent Wauquiez, President of the Regional Council of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, called on France to withdraw from a neutral stance because of the “Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh”. However, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian replied that as a mediator in this conflict France should preserve impartiality.

In line with these speeches and signatures, protests and marches continue in France. On Sunday, there will be a march to the Elysee Palace, where the issue will be presented to President Macron. Some of the protesters launched a new initiative on October 16, by closing France-Belgium and France-Germany roads. Traffics jams were also created on the roads leading to Luxemburg: about 100 cars gathered demanding the recognition of Artsakh. Police threatened crackdown on protestors, after which they agreed to open interstate roads. However, peaceful rallies continue.

Individuals also have their contribution in the recognition of Artsakh in France. Legendary singer Charles Aznavour’s son Nikola Aznavour addressed a letter to Macron asking him to recognise the independence of the Artsakh Republic as well as economically sanction Azerbaijan and Turkey for their crimes. He asked Macron to put pressure on the UN to bring peace to the region.

The fact that France has pursued and continues to peruse a pro-Armenian policy, is obvious and the Azerbaijani reactions also prove it. Baku, which takes the accusations against him too seriously, even demanded an apology from Macron.

Such an attitude of France to the Artsakh war is also resulted by the activity of Turkey, with which Paris has tense relations for quite a long time. However, it is difficult to say, whether pro-Armenian statements will lead to the recognition of Artsakh in the near future.