BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 13. The French Ministry
of Foreign Affairs has surprisingly supported the negotiations
between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in
Almaty.
In its statement, Paris also urged for “the continuation of the
border delimitation process based on agreed principles”.
The delayed reaction from Paris, considering that the agreement
between Baku and Yerevan to commence the delimitation process –
leading to the transfer of four villages in the Gazakh district to
Azerbaijan – was reached as far back as April 19, speaks
volumes.
France has long lost any sway over the negotiation process in
the South Caucasus due to its firmly pro-Armenian stance.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Paris isn’t pleased with the
progress in normalizing relations between Baku and Yerevan.
Given recent events such as the recall of the French ambassador
from Baku, accusations against Azerbaijan of actions allegedly
damaging relations with Paris, and a spy scandal, such statements
come off as insincere and pointless.
Baku’s position is crystal clear – there’s no room for third
parties in negotiations with Yerevan. And even in Armenia, this
understanding seems to be taking hold. All that remains is for the
Élysée Palace to come to terms with these new realities.