French National Assembly Unanimously Adopts Resolution Calling for Sanctions Against Azerbaijan

France’s National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution in support of Armenia and calling for sanctions against Azerbaijan, which was also condemned for its attack and violation of Armenia’s sovereign territory.

This follows a similar action by the French Senate, which on November 15 also called on France and the European Union to consider sanctions against Baku.

With the resolution, the National Assembly condemned, in the strongest terms, the military aggression of Azerbaijan on September 13 and 14 against the southern and southeastern regions of the Republic of Armenia, in violation of its sovereignty.

The National Assembly called for an end to the military occupation by Azerbaijan of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces. It urges strict compliance with the terms of the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021.

The lawmakers also called on the French government to work within the United Nations and consider the deployment of an international force capable of ensuring the end to hostilities in the South Caucasus and the safety of civilian populations and emphasized France’s important role in the Security Council to endorse an agreement of the parties concerned on the deployment of such a force.

The lower house of the Parliament called on the French government, in consultation with the European Union and the United States, to take any diplomatic initiative likely to promote the development of a lasting peace treaty between the Republic of Armenia and Azerbaijan. It also calls on the Government to intensify efforts at the level of the European Union in order to adopt a common position aimed at promoting the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.

In this regard, the lawmakers welcomed the establishment of a European Union civilian mission aimed at restoring confidence, stabilizing the situation on the ground and contributing to the work of the boundary commissions of the Republic of Armenia and Azerbaijan. They also commended the deployment of an assessment mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to Armenia, at the request of the government in Yerevan.

The National Assembly called for due respect for the territorial sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Armenia and urged an immediate and unconditional release and repatriation of all Armenian prisoners of war.

The resolution also called on the French government to mobilize so that an international and independent investigation can be conducted into the abuses allegedly committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces against Armenian soldiers and civilians. It also invited, for this purpose, the Republic of Armenia to join the International Criminal Court in order to fight against impunity.

Members of the Assembly called on the government to consider imposing personal economic sanctions, should the attacks and occupation of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia continue.

It advised stakeholders, the Minsk Group, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to do their utmost to preserve, in a sustainable way, the Armenian cultural and religious heritage in the areas under Azerbaijani control.

The bill also called for an increase in France’s support for the Republic of Armenia, particularly with regard to humanitarian aid, and to study the strengthening of its defense capacities.

Finally, the National Assembly emphasized its unwavering commitment to the search for lasting peace, which alone will ensure security and stability in the South Caucasus