France's Support for Armenia's Request: A Challenge to International Law and Human Rights
The information released by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the content of a telephone conversation between Catherine Colonnade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, and Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, on August 15, serves as further evidence of France's apparent disregard for the principles of international law, human rights, and its perceived stance favoring Armenia over Azerbaijan.
These sentiments have been conveyed through a statement issued by the West Azerbaijan Community, shedding light on concerns over France's alignment with Armenia's request. The statement emphasizes the perspective of the community in this matter.
Notably, the statement highlights France's alleged oversight of Armenia's actions. These include the expulsion of more than one million Azerbaijanis from their homes, the reported deaths of over 20 thousand Azerbaijani civilians, the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, the destruction of around 900 settlements, and the widespread laying of over a million mines rendering these areas uninhabitable. The community raises questions about France's sudden portrayal of itself as a champion of humanitarian values amid these allegations.
Furthermore, the statement addresses the actions of what it terms "illegal Armenian armed groups" in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. These groups are accused of taking civilians hostage, blocking vital routes, and demanding unrestricted passage to Armenia. The West Azerbaijan Community condemns these actions as forms of blackmail, robbery, and terrorism.
The crux of the statement revolves around France's support for Armenia's request, which the community perceives as a direct affront to the principles of international law and human rights. This endorsement is regarded by the community as undermining the very foundations of these principles.
In conclusion, the statement calls on France to reevaluate its policies concerning Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The West Azerbaijan Community urges non-interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs and stresses the importance of supporting the rights of those displaced from Armenia, underscoring this as a significant human rights issue.