An official NKR parliamentary delegation, headed by Parliament President Ashot Ghoulyan, has been touring France for the past few days. While in the French port city of Marseille, the delegation met with representatives of the local Armenian community. During the meeting, Mr. Ghoulyan explained the aims of the delegation’s visit to France and spoke about the upcoming ‘phonethon’ to take place in France from November 19-22, prior to the All Armenia Fund's November worldwide telethon dedicated to the revival and reconstruction of the city of Shushi. Discussions also centered on the issue of the Karabakh settlement process and latest developments in Armenian Turkish relations; two issues of prime concern to the French-Armenian community. A reception in honor of the NKR delegation took place in Marseille Mayor’s Office. During the reception, First Deputy Mayor Roland Blume stressed the gratitude of the residents and municipal officials of Marseille towards the struggle for independence waged by the NKR. Mr Blume, on behalf of the mayor, presented Mr. Ghoulyan with a medal of  honor. In return, the NKR parliament president bestowed Deputy Mayor Blume with a medal commemorating the 20 anniversary of the NKR’s independence.