During a meeting with representatives of various Artsakh NGO's at the NKR National Assembly, Francois Rochebloine, who heads the French-Armenian Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, stated that, "The first order of business during the negotiations process must be a settlement regarding the political status of Karabakh." When asked about France's position regarding a settlement of the Karabakh conflict and the Madrid Principles, Mr. Rochebloine stated that the French National Assembly doesn't deal with the Minsk Group and thus it cannot mediate in nor have an impact on its activities. As to the Madrid Principles, he noted that he held the same position as the Karabakh authorities and went on to express his dismay that the NKR wasn't directly participating in the settlement talks. As to the issue regarding the return of refugees, the French MP said that he was all for the return of any refugee, regardless of nationality, that expressed a desire to return to their former residence but that "suitable conditions must be created for this to occur". Speculating as to the possible recognition of the NKR by the world community, Mr. Rochebloine noted that, regardless of developments emanating from the process, the NKR government is doing all possible to ensure the security of its people and to improve their way of life. In his belief, the authorities and the national diplomacy must simply continue on the path they have adopted.