French National Assembly passes resolution demanding immediate release of all Artsakh leaders detained by Azerbaijan

The French National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the political leaders of the Republic of Artsakh detained by Azerbaijan, and urging the French government to press for the release of all Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijani custody. It passed with 183 votes in favor and none against.

The resolution was jointly presented by Laurent Wauquiez on behalf of the France–Armenia Friendship Group and co-sponsored by a group of French lawmakers, including Alexandra Martin, Brigitte Klinkert, Michèle Tabarot, Éric Ciotti, Paul Molac, Jean-François Portarrieu, Emmanuel Mandon, Isabelle Santiago, and others.

The French lawmakers stressed that the ongoing trials of Armenian prisoners are part of Azerbaijan’s desire to “pursue a systematic policy of denying the existence of Armenia.”

The resolution describes the proceedings as a continuation of policies aimed at the extermination of the Armenian population of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and other territories under Azerbaijani control, as well as the systematic destruction of Armenian historical, cultural, and religious heritage.

The resolution warns that the continued detention and trials of Armenian prisoners could, in the long term, undermine the implementation of the joint declaration signed in Washington on August 8, 2025, which officially declared an end to the decades-long conflict. It notes that the document does not address the fate of Armenian prisoners.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen ties between France and Armenia, described as a long-standing partner in the South Caucasus, the resolution reaffirms support for the Armenian population of Artsakh, who were forcibly expelled from their ancestral lands.

It recalls that the right of peoples to self-determination must also apply to the Armenian population of Artsakh and stresses that it is the responsibility of the international community to demand that Azerbaijan guarantee conditions for their safe return.

The resolution further condemns the arbitrary imprisonment and trial of the political leaders of the Republic of Artsakh and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

It also urges the French government to demand that Azerbaijan immediately release all Armenian prisoners of war in its custody.