Macron to Speak With Pashinyan, Khachaturyan Before Addressing Armenian POWs With Aliyev

French President Emmanuel Macron has responded to a question about whether he discussed the issue of Armenian detainees with Ilham Aliyev, stating that he plans to first consult with Armenia’s leadership before taking further steps.
Macron said he would first hold discussions with Vahagn Khachaturyan and Nikol Pashinyan. He explained that only after those talks would he approach Aliyev to determine the most appropriate way forward, either through direct contact or a phone call.
“First, I will speak with the President of Armenia and the Prime Minister of Armenia, and after that I will go to President Aliyev, and together we will choose the right option to move forward, either through personal contact or a phone call,” said the French President.
The statement comes at a time when the issue of Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan remains a serious concern for Armenia and the broader international community. In Armenia, these individuals are widely described as hostages, and there have been continued calls for their immediate release.
The issue has gained increased international attention in recent months. Families of the detainees, along with international legal representatives, have submitted appeals to global institutions, calling for their immediate and unconditional release and arguing that their detention violates international legal standards.
France has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts in the South Caucasus, often emphasizing the importance of stability, dialogue, and humanitarian principles. Paris has repeatedly expressed concern over humanitarian issues related to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, including the fate of detainees.

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