Macron called Aliyev

Baku/24.12.22/Turan: The head of France, Emmanuel Macron, called President Ilham Aliyev the day before. During the conversation, Macron touched upon relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the situation on the Lachin road, the press service of the President of Azerbaijan.

Aliyev noted that representatives of civil society in Azerbaijan are protesting against the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits in Karabakh and the damage caused to the environment. He stressed that there are no obstacles for the Armenian residents to use this road for civil and humanitarian purposes, and the passage of medical vehicles along the Red Cross line is provided.

Aliyev noted that the main requirement of the Azerbaijani side is the cessation of illegal exploitation of deposits and environmental monitoring in the territory.

During the conversation, Aliyev also drew attention to the fact that Armenia still holds 8 villages belonging to Azerbaijan under occupation. These are the village of Karki of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and seven villages of the Gazakh region, captured by the Armenians in the early 90s.

Macron expressed France's readiness to support the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the continuation of negotiations on a peace agreement.

Commenting on France's readiness to be mediators, Aliyev recalled the need for "balanced and impartial behavior", and recalled the anti-Azerbaijani activities within the "La Francophonie" and a number of other international organizations, the press service of the President of Azerbaijan said.

In turn, the message of the Elysee Palace notes that during a telephone conversation, Macron expressed "deep concern over the resumption of tension in the South Caucasus." He called for respecting the November 9, 2020 ceasefire agreement and "allowing free movement along the Lachin corridor." Macron also spoke about the need to urgently ensure the unhindered access of humanitarian organizations and UN agencies to the affected population. President Aliyev, for his part, "declared his intention to ensure free movement along the corridor."

"As for Azerbaijan's concerns about the illegal exploitation of minerals, both presidents noted the importance of complying with existing standards," the Elysee Palace said in a press release.

The two presidents agreed to continue negotiations with the parties concerned to find a lasting political solution in the region, and intend to have a telephone conversation again in the coming weeks, the French President's press office concluded.—06B-