Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke by telephone with Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

The Ministry issued the following statement today on the call.

"On the subject of current tensions on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, he reaffirmed France’s great concern and its commitment to preserving Armenia’s territorial integrity. France is monitoring the situation very closely and calls on the parties to continue their discussions in order to reach an agreement on a swift withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian territory.

As for issues still pending after the ceasefire of November 9, including the crucial release of Armenian detainees, France renews its call – in line with the communique issued by the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group on April 13 – for a direct, high-level dialogue between the parties under the auspices of the Co-Chairs, to discuss all the issues with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement guaranteeing security and lasting peace in the region."