In an interview with France’s LSI, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian has underscored the big responsibility that the countries of the Minsk Group bear for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“France, Russia and the US bear special responsibility since it is the United Nations that assigned them to follow fulfilment of the obligations that the parties to the conflict have assumed. As Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, we have made quite a lot of efforts for ceasefire,” Le Drian said.

“The authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan underscored the importance of maintenance of our role, but this doesn’t stand in France’s way to help Armenia. France’s plane carrying humanitarian cargo will arrive in Yerevan, and another plane will be sent next week,” Le Drian said and particularly emphasized that Armenia is a friendly country for France.

Le Drian said France wants explanations about displaced persons since many Armenians resided in Nagorno-Karabakh. He added that there is also an issue related to the withdrawal of mercenaries and the protection of religious and cultural heritage, adding that President of France Emmanuel Macron and the UNESCO have undertaken an initiative.

The foreign minister stated that he had discussed the topic of Nagorno-Karabakh during US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent visit to Paris.