The French embassy in Azerbaijan has issued a statement. It reads as follows:

"The release of eight Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijan and their sending to Yerevan by a French government plane on February 7 is good news in the context of the current tense situation—in terms of European security.

It is only possible to move towards peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia by showing gestures of good will by the parties. The release of the captives is the result of efforts by dialogue, diplomacy, and tension de-escalation launched by [Azerbaijani] President Ilham Aliyev and [Armenian] Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, with the support of French President Emmanuel Macron and European Union Council President Charles Michel. It happened after the online meeting of the 4 leaders on February 4. France lauds this gesture of Azerbaijan.

The release of the captives was necessary, as the transition from war to the post-conflict period and from the post-conflict period to peace talks will require strong political will and action to reduce tension at the [Armenia-Azerbaijan] border, at the latter's demarcation and delimitation, opening of communications between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The transition to a peaceful process will also stimulate other positive achievements in the humanitarian sphere.

After decades of conflict, it is necessary to restore the trust of the population and alleviate the suffering of families—in particular, to enable the detainees to be reunited with their loved ones, to identify the remains of the missing, to assist landmine victims, and to demine the areas.

That is why in 2022, like last year, France will continue to work with the parties, and in particular with Azerbaijan, to assist—with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross—in the search for the missing. That is why France has proposed the Azerbaijani demining agency to collaborate in demining and providing assistance to landmine victims.

"The European Union, which was born as a result of the peace plan and has long and important experience in border management and regional development, is also ready to assist Azerbaijan and Armenia..."

"The time has come to renounce nationalist rhetoric and historical fights. In order for Azerbaijan and Armenia to resolutely stand on the path to peace, the participation of all people of good will (…) is necessary," also reads the statement of the French embassy in Azerbaijan.