(21 Feb 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
++CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE SLIGHT CORRECTION IN TRANSLATION IN FIRST SOUNDBITE++
AP VIA AGENCY POOL (AFP)
Paris - 21 February 2024
1. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, pause for photos, shake hands
2. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
“February 21st (1944) was the date on which Missak Manouchian and his comrades in the resistance fell in the clearing at Mont Valérien. From now on, it will be the day on which the French nation fully recognizes them, and the day of their entry into the Pantheon. Indeed, shortly, along with his wife Méline, Missak Manouchian will enter the Pantheon, where lay those who have defined France’s destiny. It is also a recognition of the contribution of Armenians to the French nation, to the spirit of resistance and the fight for freedom."
3. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
“It is important that Azerbaijan removes any ambiguity. This seems to me more necessary than ever when it comes to respecting Armenia's territorial integrity, and in particular, any ambiguity on the reference maps, for a work in good faith on the delimitation and demarcation of its borders, which should also serve as a basis for the necessary withdrawal of forces on both sides of the border. We also call for the International Court of Justice's order of November 17, 2023 to be implemented. Under the terms of that order, I am quoting ‘The Republic of Azerbaijan must ensure that anyone who has left Nagorno-Karabakh after September 19, 2023, and wishes to return, is able to do so safely, freely and promptly'."
4. Macron shaking hands with Pashinyan before leaving
STORYLINE:
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of a ceremony marking the induction of Missak Manouchian into the Panthéon, where notable figures of French history are laid to rest.
A poet who took refuge in France after surviving the Armenian genocide, Manouchian was executed in 1944 for leading the resistance to Nazi occupation.
The ceremony will also honor foreign Resistance fighters.
During a joint statement at the top of the meeting, Macron said the ceremony is also “a recognition of the contribution of Armenians to the French nation, to the spirit of resistance and the fight for freedom”.
Macron also took the opportunity to reaffirm France's support for Armenia's independence, territorial integrity, and aspiration to peace amid ongoing tensions with South Caucasus neighbor Azerbaijan, which last year took full control over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region and triggered a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians in the region.
Production: Masha Macpherson
===========================================================
Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
