Europe Should Not Buy Gas from Azerbaijan, Says French MP on Buyers from Baku

Europe should not buy gas from Azerbaijan, as this amounts to supporting those who persecute the Armenian population of Artsakh. This statement was made by Bruno Retayon, a member of the French delegation, during a press conference held in Goris, Syunik province.

Retayon criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for signing a gas agreement with Baku. "First of all, it would be better if Mrs. von der Leyen did not sign a gas agreement with Azerbaijan. This would mean directly supporting a country that is persecuting the Armenian people of Artsakh," Retayon stated.

He also pointed out that political pressure on Baku has been ineffective, urging the President of France to facilitate the adoption of a resolution regarding the opening of the Lachin corridor under international supervision. The French MP emphasized that what is happening in Artsakh today constitutes ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Another member of the delegation, Strasbourg Mayor Jeanne Barseghyan, quoted remarks from Artsakh's Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan, who stated that the republic's flour supplies are down to two days and that the situation is becoming increasingly urgent by the day. "Strasbourg has joined the initiative to send cargo to Artsakh for two reasons. First, I believe urgent action is needed. Second, our city hosts the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). We are sending our message to the President of France as well as to other European institutions," the Mayor noted.

It is worth mentioning that Artsakh President Araik Harutyunyan also joined the press conference via video link.