Introduction
The meeting on April 16, 2025, between members of the European Parliament from France—who are simultaneously deputies of the French National Assembly—and representatives of the Karabakh Armenian community, including the former head of the separatist regime Savel Shahramanyan, held on April 17 at the so-called representation of the abolished separatist regime operating in Armenia, along with the statements made during the meeting, once again confirm that France, while traditionally declaring its commitment to international law, continues to pursue a destructive policy in the South Caucasus.
In doing so, France hinders the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The actions of official Paris, both currently and in recent years, raise justified concerns, especially in the context of the post-conflict peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although formally maintaining its commitment to the principles of international law, France increasingly demonstrates unilateral support for the Armenian side. Moreover, France actively promotes the militarization of Armenia, which, in turn, intensifies regional tensions. The question arises: is the establishment of peace between the sides truly in France’s interest, or is its foreign policy activity becoming a factor of destabilization?
France’s Formal Neutrality
France was appointed co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group for the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict alongside the United States and Russia in 1997. This gave Paris an important tool of influence in one of the most sensitive regions of the post-Soviet space. For almost three decades, the Minsk Group created the appearance of working toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict despite the lack of real results. France, for many years, publicly supported the principles of territorial integrity and non-interference. However, after the Second Karabakh War in 2020, the situation changed dramatically. With the defeat of Armenian forces and Azerbaijan’s restoration of control over most of its territory, the Minsk Group became effectively marginalized and obsolete. As a result, France began to express more open support for the Armenian side and sought alternative ways to maintain its influence in the region.
The first step in this direction was the 2020 resolutions of the French Senate and National Assembly, condemning “Azerbaijan’s aggression” and calling for the recognition of the so-called “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.” These resolutions became a serious diplomatic precedent. Supporting one side of the conflict under the guise of humanitarian rhetoric only highlighted France’s double standards. The French Senate justified its resolutions by citing the need for “humanitarian protection of the Armenian population,” although by that time Azerbaijan had already officially guaranteed the safety of Armenians living in the liberated territories. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan’s reaction to these resolutions was immediate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan described the resolutions as openly provocative and stressed that they harmed the peace process by undermining trust between the sides.
Furthermore, France decided to actively engage the Armenian diaspora. To be fair, the Armenian diaspora was mobilized particularly to assist in the re-election of President Emmanuel Macron. France’s increased activity was especially noted ahead of the 2022 presidential elections. At that time, Macron’s low domestic approval ratings prompted him to seek greater support from the Armenian diaspora. As a result, after his re-election, France’s dual approach became even more pronounced. For instance, in 2023, during a meeting with influential Armenian circles in Marseille, Macron openly stated: “I am the only one with a clear position and message on the Karabakh issue. And there should be no doubt about my determination regarding Karabakh and Armenia.”
The Militarization of Armenia as a Threat to Stability
It is important to note that immediately after Macron’s re-election, the militarization of Armenia by France began to intensify. This is the most alarming aspect of France’s current policy, which continues to this day and causes concern in Azerbaijan and the region as a whole, as it undermines the trust necessary for establishing lasting peace. Moreover, France’s supply of arms to Armenia can be seen as contradictory to its previously declared support for a peaceful settlement, in which it acted as a mediator.
In October 2023, Yerevan and Paris signed an agreement for the delivery of radar systems, air defense systems, and artillery units. By June 2024, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the delivery of CAESAR howitzers, stating: “We continue to strengthen our defense relations with Armenia.”
This provoked concern in Baku. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated: “This is a blow to the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. France’s militarization policy is a move that will encourage revanchist forces in Armenia. Deliveries of lethal weapons to Armenia raise serious concerns. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France must conduct a responsible policy. Armenia is a country that has committed occupation and aggression in the South Caucasus. Arming such a country is unacceptable.”
France Acting Against Peace in the South Caucasus
Following Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its territorial integrity, the main achievement between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been the negotiation process aimed at finally resolving the longstanding conflict. It is particularly important to note that, against the backdrop of diplomatic progress between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the sides have agreed on the text of a peace treaty. The only significant issue remaining is the removal of clauses related to territorial claims against Azerbaijan from Armenia’s Constitution. In other words, the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is now at a stage where every word—and especially every external action—can either facilitate the peace process or derail it. Nevertheless, France, having lost its status as a neutral mediator, continues through its destructive actions to impede normalization in the South Caucasus. Instead of aiding in the normalization of relations, official Paris intensifies the militarization of the region, creating new hotspots of tension. Instead of helping conclude the treaty, France has, de facto, become a barrier to the establishment of peace, albeit indirectly.
Conclusion
France, which claims the role of a great power and defender of international law, increasingly acts under the influence of domestic political factors and lobbying groups. Its role in promoting the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan is questionable, both in terms of objectivity and its ability to facilitate a real settlement. From a neutral mediator, France has transitioned to a political and military ally of Armenia. This position destabilizes the region, creates the threat of new escalations, and undermines the diplomatic efforts of the two countries. If Paris is truly interested in establishing peace in the South Caucasus, it must revise its strategy, prioritizing diplomacy and respect for international law over geopolitical ambitions and domestic political interests.
Fuad Abdullayev, Senior Advisor, Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center, Baku)
Translated from 1news.az
