France and Iran agree when it comes to Armenia, says Ambassador Decottignies

Armenpress interviewed the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, covering Armenia-France relations, defense cooperation, upcoming visits from France, and other issues.

When asked about France’s interests in defense cooperation with Armenia, the Ambassador noted that France does not think in terms of influence but in terms of the rights of each nation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is not only France that is concerned. Over the past few years, Armenia’s neighboring country, Iran, has expressed concern about Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We disagree with Iran on many issues, but this is one issue we agree on. And I think all UN member states should agree on that because, under the UN Charter, all UN member states recognize and ought to support the integrity and sovereignty of other member states. That is a general obligation.

When it comes to Azerbaijan’s concerns, Azerbaijan can be sure that the type of cooperation and the equipment that we are providing to Armenia are aimed at defending the country; they are purely defensive. Let me give you a good example: when we talk about air defense, if you don’t enter the airspace of Armenia, you will never face the air defense of Armenia; it is a defensive capability,” Decottignies said.