By Mariam Levina

YEREVAN.- The Ambassador of France to Armenia Henri Reynaud gave an interview to Armenian News-NEWS.am on the French National Day - Bastille Day.

How would you characterize the dynamics of the Armenian-French relations?

The dynamics of the Armenian-French relations is constantly confirmed in various fields, especially after the visit of President of Armenia to France and the French President’s trip to Armenia in 2011, as well as visits of the Paris and Lyon mayors. In terms of politics, France in the OSCE Minsk Group is working towards finding a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In terms of bilateral relations, the President of France reiterated his previous statement regarding the criminalization of genocide denial.

As regards economic ties, France remains the first largest Western investor in Armenia. Moreover, French companies are developing projects in Armenia. A new impetus to economic cooperation has been the French Development Agency.

As for the French University in Armenia, it has achieved great success, also including the labor market. Work is underway to create a French-Armenian Lyceum which will complete the chain of integrated education network – from kindergarten to university in French language. This is particularly important in the context of Armenia’s plans to become a full member of the Organization of La Francophonie.

The French people began the struggle for human rights and democratic values over 200 years ago. The citizens of Armenia have much to learn. How is cooperation developing in this regard?

Speaking of “human rights” one assumes that the issue concerns inviolable universal human rights that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is also true that the concept was founded in the 18th century in France and many countries consider France the birthplace of human rights. The state of law is closely linked to the issue of human rights.

In this area, the French-Armenian cooperation is manifested in different ways. The workshops on human rights and freedom of information, with the participation of d’Alembert foundation, a conference on reconciliation are held. We also provide assistance to young lawyers who go to France for training on human rights protection. Together with OSCE, we helped some members of Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission to monitor the recent parliamentary elections in France. Finally, students of the French University in Armenia and the French companies working in Armenia are the carriers of democratic values.

French and Armenian nations have mutual affection and friendship. What is the volume of trade turnover between the two countries? How many companies with entirely French or mixed capital are working in Armenia?

Trade relations between France and Armenia, slowed down due to global crisis, have currently intensified. For comparison, the turnover in 2010 totaled €44 million, and in 2011 reached €59 million. Last year goods amounting to €15 million were imported from Armenia to France, and France imported to Armenia goods amounting €44 million. The work to increase the trade volume is underway.

There are about 150 French companies working in Armenia. Twenty-four companies are fully or partially co-founding of the joint ventures. Among them are Pernod Ricard, Credit Agricole and Orange, Air France, Soar and Veolia.

How many Armenians visited France since the beginning of the year and how many French tourists visited Armenia?

Armenia and France are developing tourism. A new momentum is gained through the efforts of the Armenian community. In parallel to this, more and more people in France are interested in Armenia. Visiting Armenia, they discover all the cultural and historical wealth of this country. It is encouraging Armenia to appreciate the exceptional potential of tourism, opening new opportunities for addressing the issues of employment, economic development.

How does France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group on Karabakh settlement, refer to Azerbaijan’s refusal to withdraw snipers and create mechanisms to investigate incidents at the line of contact? What is your attitude toward the arms race initiated by Azerbaijan?

There is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This was confirmed by the head of the European Council Van Rompuy, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier during their recent visits to Yerevan. Therefore it is necessary to work constantly towards a settlement of the Karabakh conflict through peace talks within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. This was reflected in the call of Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states in their statement issued in Los Cabos. In this regard, it is necessary to take measures to build confidence as it was agreed during the summit in Sochi in 2011. It will enable the parties to the conflict to reach an agreement by bringing closer their positions. The sides should work to achieve confidence, it is necessary to choose the path of dialogue, not confrontation. Only this will help delineate the prospects in the region.

Despite repeated calls not to link normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations with the Karabakh conflict settlement, Ankara continues to do so, refusing to ratify the Armenian-Turkish protocols. What is France’s attitude to the position of an OSCE member which continues the blockade of another member-state?

The normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations is the greatest priority. Diplomatic relations must be established and the borders must be open. It is necessary to ratify the protocols signed in 2009 fast. It is the only way possible for preparing the ground for communication and exchange and then opening of the door to reconciliation between the two countries. In fact, the example of France and Germany shows that there are no unhealed wounds. History of 50-year-old France-Germany reconciliation is worth pondering on.

How do you see cooperation between Armenia and France within the international agencies and, in particular, France’s assistance to Armenia’s European integration? 

Armenia has chosen a European model of development entering the process of convergence with the EU. A progress is registered in talks on the Association Agreement. The talks on facilitation of visa regime and readmission are satisfactory. Talks on deep and comprehensive free trade area have launched. The Union has already become Armenia’s number one trade partner. France, in its turn, is supporting unconditionally the process of EU-Armenia convergence.