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Former Armenian and Artsakh ombudspersons discussed Azerbaijani violations of Armenians' rights and protection mechanisms with representatives of the French legislatures in Paris.

On October 8, Arman Tatoyan, Artak Beglaryan and Karnig Kerkonian met with a group of deputies of the French National Assembly and members of the Senate in Paris with the support of the Armenian National Committee of France and accompanied by its representative Anahit Hakobyan.

Meetings were held with the member of the National Assembly, Isabel Santiago, the chairman of the Armenian-French friendship group of the Senate, Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, the senator Valerie Boyer and other legislators.

Evidence of Azerbaijani crimes in Artsakh and Armenia was presented at the meetings, in particular, discussing:

1. Mandatory release and return of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, stressing that they are subjected to torture and are under daily threats to their lives.

2. Azerbaijan's genocidal policy towards the people of Artsakh, including the blockade, forced displacement and the destruction of the Armenian religious and cultural heritage.

3. The issues of mechanisms for the proper realization of the right of return of the indigenous Armenian people of Artsakh, in accordance with the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations.

4. The facts of the Azerbaijani occupation of the territories of Syunik, Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor provinces of Armenia since 2020.
Daily Azerbaijani crimes against people (deprivation, impossibility of earning income, facts of deprivation of drinking water, massive destruction of fauna and flora, etc.) were presented with evidence.

5. The ongoing policy of Azerbaijani racism, xenophobia and animosity against the Armenian people under the sponsorship of the highest authorities.

6. The need to apply effective measures of accountability to the Azerbaijani authorities for the mentioned and all other crimes, which will also be aimed at preventing future Azerbaijani crimes.

At the end of the meetings, the delegation expressed gratitude to the French deputies and senators for their support.