Protests in defense of Artsakh took place in several cities of France on April 9. French-Armenians organized a second protest within one week in Paris. This time, the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France called to unite and condemn Azerbaijan’s aggression.

Mediamax talked with French-Armenian political figure, National President of Committee of France for the Armenian Genocide centennial Alexis Govciyan about France’s position and the role of Armenian Diaspora.

- Naturally, I had to be with other French-Armenians now, but I also came to pass the message of Drancy Mayor, Head of Union of Democrats and Independents Jean-Christophe Lagarde to the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France. The message notes that the party currently finds it urgent for NKR to be independent and have that independence globally recognized. They also stress that an investigation should be carried out under the guidance of OSCE Minsk Group to clarify what exactly was done to NKR citizens.

- What do you think is the reason of indifference reigning in France today and the fact that only a few media outlets touch upon NK issue, almost always putting an equal sign between the two conflict sides if they talk about it at all? Is it unawareness or purpose?

- We had the same picture when the law on recognition of Armenian Genocide was adopted.

Turkey was very strong and made huge expenses, terrorized and turned to blackmail to silence the talk about the Genocide. We won, the law on the Genocide was adopted. Now Azerbaijan and Turkey make great efforts and spend large sums to silence politicians and media. If there is talk, it is for their interests or at least not in Armenia’s favour.

Photo: Jean-Christophe Bourdillat

We are united. I know that the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France is “at the front”, struggling every day. Of course, our work is hard, but we will win. It’s easy to gather here, but when we think about fights at the borders of NKR, we find more courage to make their independence recognized and help Artsakh people live in peace.

- Could we say that Azerbaijan’s efforts are annulling the freedom of speech?

- There are certain media outlets that made fair analysis, but the freedom of speech is perceived in two options: Azerbaijan tries to “have its say”, and media takes that information. I should also stress that France doesn’t have a definite position on this issue now, they speak about territorial integrity and the right of self-determination at the same time. It’s time for France to specify its position and only speak about self-determination of Artsakh. This is what Christophe Lagarde calls for, and a copy of his message was sent to French Foreign Ministry.

- The role of Armenian Diaspora changed a little these days. What exactly do Armenians do in France now?

- Diaspora, Armenian communities should unite as closely as possible, the way they did before for Armenia and Artsakh. There was real unity during the years of war, Diaspora helped Artsakh in certain spheres after the ceasefire too. We see the war coming back today, and we need strong unity in both politics and economy, so that every Armenian in the world, feels Armenian and especially – Artsakhi Armenian.

Ellada Ghukasyan-Barseghyan

Mediamax’ correspondent in Paris