YEREVAN. –  France, as a co-chairing state of the OSCE Minsk Group, is ready to do everything so that Karabakh conflict could be settled, President Francois Hollande said in Yerevan.

He recalled that May 12 marked the twentieth anniversary of the ceasefire agreement, but it was not a solution to the conflict.

“The conflict continues. It claimed thousands of lives. A real solution must be found. France is ready to host the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to seek ways to strengthen confidence-building measures,” Hollande said during a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan,

The French leader noted that his country is ready to help Armenia in its relations with EU. He believes a differentiated approach should be adopted so as EU could participate in certain programs in Armenia.

President Hollande stressed the need for development of economic relations between Armenia and France – the countries having long-standing historical and humaniatrian ties.

“Several agreements were signed. I know the difficulties of Armenia's economy, among them the closed borders and Karabakh conflict. It is necessary to solve political issues that are hampering solution to economic problems,” Hollande emphasized.