BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 29. Unfortunately, during the liberation war, there have been unnecessary steps, including the decisions of both Chambers of the French Parliament to recognize the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said addressing the international conference under the motto “South Caucasus: Development and Cooperation”, Trend reports.
"Talking about overall political relations, I would say that they are normal. They are back to normal, I would say. I would add that it was not us who did something wrong, unfortunately. But, we understand that there is an Armenian community and there are powerful groups. They influence not only decision making process, they influence the brains of people. Relations with France for us always were important, because it is one of the leading countries of the world. Also it was important in order to present our case, to demonstrate to French public opinion that Azerbaijan is not as Armenians present us. Though we know their connections in the leading media of France, publishing dirty articles about us. 95% of these articles have been written by Armenians or pro-Armenians. We understand it. It has never been part of a kind of a big deal. France as a Minsk Group co-chair always was acceptable for Azerbaijan. But, unfortunately, during the liberation war, there have been unnecessary steps, including the decisions of both Chambers of the French Parliament to recognize the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh. There is a saying that being more catholic than the Roman Pope. Even, Armenia didn’t recognize Nagorno-Karabakh. So, Senate and House of Representatives, they made this decision. Very, very, very sad. And I know very well the persons who were voting for that. That was absolutely counter-productive. From practical point of view, it meant nothing. From point of view of support to Armenia, it did not work. From point of view to stop us from liberating our territory did not work either. It only created an unnecessary atmosphere, which now both governments try to clean and I think successfully. I had a very good and long meeting with President Macron in December in Brussels and then we communicated on the phone. So, I think it is common understanding that we need to close that page and forget about it. And for you there is no need to apologize. French people are our friends and will remain our friends," the head of state said.