President of the Regional Council of Île-de-France Valérie Pécresse is in Yerevan after sending 75,000 Euros in aid to people displaced by last year's war. She pays tribute in the Genocide Memorial to the memory of the innocent victims, they also paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the 44-day Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war in Yerablur Military Pantheon.
Valérie Pécresse (President of the Regional Council of Île-de-France) - The entire responsibility for the war lies with Azerbaijan, as they unleashed it with Turkey with the help of jihadists. The events in Armenia were a warning to Europe. I think Armenia's security issues also concern France. It would be very wrong for us to think that what is happening in Armenia does not threaten us. The history of Europe is full of lessons. The dangers arose when they were underestimated. In this regard, I call for the return of all prisoners of war, especially since, according to the agreement, Armenia provided the mining maps, so there is nothing to justify Azerbaijan for still holding prisoners of war in Baku.
Madame Pécresse, who is visiting Armenia for the third time, says that France can also play a decisive role in Europe, as it takes over the presidency of the European Union in January, and can persuade other countries to be more involved in solving the region's problems.
Valérie Pécresse - Most of all, I want a lasting peace. I think there is some movement in this direction, so I think that the Minsk Group and EU can act as a reliable third party so that these negotiations can be successful, with mutual respect. However, we understand very well that these are difficult negotiations. We should not be naive at all on this issue. I also work for the preservation of a rich cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan - 150 churches, many Armenian khachkars (cross-stones). Besides, the issue of religious freedom is important for us so that the pilgrims can visit their sanctuaries.
When leaving Yerevan, Valérie Pécresse assures that in Île-de-France Armenia is perceived as a message that Christians have a special place in the East.
