The long-known disease called “Armenophilia” today poses a serious threat to the gene pool of France, as the pathology has taken hold across virtually all levels of power in the country. It must be said that French officials show little interest in their own domestic problems, but they are eager and rather involved when it comes to Armenia’s affairs and grievances. After all, they’re “sisters”…
Completely forgetting logic, international law, morality, and other concepts apparently foreign to them, the French continue to demonstrate daily that one can be more Armenian than the Armenians themselves—and that it’s quite feasible. True, few of them could actually explain the meaning of this paranoid disorder, but apparently, one can frantically cling to someone else’s woes for no apparent reason and then feel compelled to sympathize and defend until they become sick themselves.
Regarding the issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the French perhaps take a leading role in enhancing defense mechanisms for Armenian interests. Speaking of French officials, one must highlight the “bright mind” of our times—French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who decided to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong.
“Azerbaijan is now demanding a revision of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. This new precondition is unacceptable and is delaying the signing [of a peace agreement],” Barrot expressed indignantly during a hearing in the National Assembly of France.
Perhaps he thought that since the French and Armenians are “sisters,” Paris has the right to interfere in the normalization process between Baku and Yerevan. It’s clear that the Armenians welcome such a scenario, but Baku will not allow French ministers, soaked in Armenian narratives, to pretend that they’re interested in peace in the region. So far, the residents of the Élysée Palace have not been known for pragmatism, objectivity, or impartiality.
By the way, Azerbaijan’s peace initiative is progressing quite well and is being positively received by the Armenian side—up until various “froggies” start meddling in the process. All significant progress in normalizing relations between the two sides has been achieved specifically in a bilateral format—without external interference.
According to the French minister, Azerbaijan’s “new demands” for a peace agreement with Armenia are unacceptable.
It would be interesting to ask Barrot whether France would conclude peace with a country whose constitution contains territorial claims against it? Unlikely. What guarantees can the Armenians provide, whose sense of honor and integrity are rather dubious concepts? If Yerevan now claims to be ready for peace, but shots are being fired at Azerbaijani positions on the conditional border—under the close watch of the EU mission—what kind of peace are we talking about?
“The South Caucasus must become a zone of peace and prosperity,” Barrot said, merely for appearance’s sake. He added that the European Union could play a role “in facilitating the opening of borders and opening up the region for the benefit of its population.”
Hmm… We’ve already seen what kind of “assistance” the EU representatives are capable of. So far, the exact opposite is happening.
Then came a more epic statement from France’s Foreign Minister: “That is why we call for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity within the framework of the peace agreement, which must now be signed between the two countries.” Monsieur Barrot interprets things correctly—this is exactly what Baku is striving for. And how else can peace be achieved if not through amendments to Armenia’s constitution? If changes are made, long-awaited peace will follow.
Armenia’s border still hosts a militarized so-called EU mission, which is openly conducting reconnaissance activities. Moreover, it’s important not to overlook another key issue—four villages remain outside Azerbaijani control: Karki in the Sadarak district, and Sofulu, Barkhudarli, and Yukhari Askipara in the Gazakh district. Thus, statements on territorial integrity are entirely relevant—Monsieur from Paris is making a valid point. He should also know that Armenia, despite its commitments, has made no progress in unblocking Nakhchivan. Meanwhile, in Yerevan, so-called “officials”-cum-separatists continue their active revanchist activities, undermining peace efforts in the region.
As for the constitutional amendments in Armenia, Yerevan has already announced that work on the draft is ongoing and the new document will be ready in 8–10 months. Yet for some reason, the French can’t seem to sit still.
It would be better if Paris stopped politically persecuting Macron’s opponents instead of pretending to be moralists. And the constant accusations against Azerbaijan regarding legal proceedings involving persons of Armenian origin are completely inappropriate and provide no grounds for criticism. Baku is acting in accordance with the law and international legal norms. Azerbaijan’s legitimate demands toward Armenia should not be France’s headache—a country that for centuries has oppressed indigenous populations in its overseas territories and plundered their resources while violating their rights. Until it wipes the powder from its own brazen face, it has no business sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong…
Alla Zeydullayeva
Translated from minval.az
