On October 19, the City Council of the French commune of Vienne adopted a resolution supporting Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and calling on the French government to recognize the Republic of Artsakh, as reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh.

The resolution particularly states the following:

“While the whole world is concerned about the unprecedented healthcare, economic and social crisis, since September 27, we have been witnessing an unusual war waged by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against the soldiers and civilian populations of Artsakh and Armenia.

Artsakh has been populated by Armenians for millennia. In 1921, by the arbitrary and unilateral decision of Iosif Stalin, it was annexed to Azerbaijan. Since 1988, the love of nations for freedom compelled the Soviet Socialist Republics to transform into independent states that were immediately recognized in accordance with international law. The people of Artsakh declared their independence through a referendum. Azerbaijan wanted to conquer this territory which has a more than 95% population of Armenians and launched a war without sparing anything. The “Minsk Group” was created for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and the co-chairs are Russia, France and the United States.

Since 2014, Vienne has been participating in this struggle for peace by signing a friendship declaration with the city of Hadrut, which is located in the south of Artsakh. This provided the opportunity to establish ties with the municipality of Hadrut. After the signing of the declaration, Vienne-based associations also joined the initiative with the purpose of implementing educational and cultural programs for Hadrut.

The Armenians of Artsakh and Armenia want to live freely and in peace on their ancestral lands.

Consequently, the City Council of Vienne reaffirms its support to the civilian population affected by the conflict and addresses France to recognize the Republic of Artsakh since this is the guarantee for the safety of the population and stability in the region and the world.”