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On May 25 RA National Assembly Speaker Samvel Nikoyan received Philippe Marini, Sophie Joissains and Bernard Fournier, members of the Senate of the Upper House of the Parliament of the Republic of France.

Welcoming the guests’ visit to the National Assembly, Mr Nikoyan also highlighted their visit to Nagorno Karabakh, noting that Artsakh and its people have won their right of living free, and they should not be ignored by the international community. He expressed confidence that the senators had opportunity to be convinced that the Nagorno Karabakh was a democratic state. The Speaker of the parliament emphasized the recognition of this reality by the international community. “The competitive advantage of Karabakh is the democracy,” Mr Nikoyan noted. He expressed conviction that the senators would continue their pro-Armenian activity, would have their contribution to the international recognition of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as to the further deepening of the Armenian-French friendly relations.

It was noted that the historical-cultural centuries-long relations and the existence of big and influential French Armenian community between the two peoples had been a significant factor for the developing relationship between Armenia and France.

The Speaker of the National Assembly thanked all the French parliamentarians, who voted for the bill criminalizing the Genocide denial. In his word, the step of France being consistent to the all-human values is highlighted not only with respect to the process of internationally denouncing the Armenian Genocide, but also by that the mechanisms of preventing the crimes being committed against humanity would be strengthened. The Speaker of the parliament expressed hope that France would be consistent in this issue.

Samvel Nikoyan also touched upon the inter-parliamentary bilateral cooperation, noting the necessity of further development of the shaped good traditions. The cooperation in international parliamentary structures was highlighted.

Thanking for warm reception the Senator Philippe Marini noted that they were impressed by their visits to Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia.

“In Karabakh we saw a people fighting for their democratic values, who are resolute in protecting their right of living free, which they succeed,” Sophie Joissains said. “Here we saw strong youth, who owns its history and culture, all-human values, though their protection is not easily given.”

Ms Joissains noted that she had not come to Karabakh empty handed: she was carrying out works for declaring Stepanakert and Aix-en-Provence sister cities.

The sides also touched upon issues pertaining to Armenian-French political, economic, cultural ties, as well as other spheres.