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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has apologized to Azerbaijan for the statements on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) made by the France 2 TV host during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The French reporter introduced Armenia’s team at the Olympics opening ceremony as a country “historically close to the hearts of the French people", adding that last year "was marked for the Armenian people by the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh into the hands of the Azerbaijani army.”

"Such words are not in line with the principles and the values that the International Olympic Committee promotes through sport and through the Olympic Games. Consequently, we have been in contact with all the responsible parties to remind them about our principles and working protocols. Please rest assured that clear indications have been delivered to avoid any future references using similar terms," the IOC said in a letter published by the Azeri media.