THE REGION OF GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

-Mr Bockel, President of France F.Hollande has recently paid his first official visit to Azerbaijan. How would you describe it for the future of the relations between our countries?

- For more than 20 years, Azerbaijan has been developing at a very fast pace, becoming a strategic crossroads. This country has demonstrated its capacity to use its economic and political assets to promote its national interests and to foster its position in the region. It has also built up its ties with Europe and international partners.

In this context, France and Azerbaijan have developed over the years a deep relation. The economic and cultural exchanges between our two countries are regular. This presidential visit is therefore an important step to further enhance our relations. I hope that this cooperation is going to be strengthened in numerous domains.

- What are the major interests of France in the South Caucasus?

- The South Caucasus, which includes Azerbai-jan, Georgia, and Armenia, possesses important assets. Because of an economic growth and a standard of living in progress, the countries of the region are developing their infrastructures. It is also the case for the sector of food-processing industry, environment or tourism. Thus there are opportunities to be seized for French companies.

The South Caucasus also represents a geostrategic region between Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East. It is an essential crossroads for our strategic supplies. Therefore France and the European Union maintain narrow links with the South Caucasus and keep a close eye on the region.

- Mr. Hollande didn't hide that his visit was linked to the dramatic events in Ukraine. What implications may these events have on the South Caucasus?

- The Ukrainian crisis can indeed put pressure on the countries of the South Caucasus, in particular Georgia, six years after the war against Russia. Today, the climate remains particularly tense and explosive in Ukraine following the referendum of independence in the Eastern part of Ukraine.

It is very important to avoid that this crisis leads to a polarization of the countries of the South Caucasus, given the fact that they may not have the same approach on this issue. As stated by President Hollande during his visit, the "de-escalation" process can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. 

- While in Azerbaijan, President of France made another important statement, saying that Paris, as a good friend of both Baku and Yerevan, will do its best to help resolve the Karabakh problem. May we hope that after Ukraine the EU will pay much more attention to this conflict?

- The question of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Nagornyy Karabakh, situated in Azerbaijan and militarily occupied by the Armenian army with the presence of Russian units, remains very preoccupying and weakens the development of the economic and political exchanges in the region, as I already noted.

On this matter, the process of negotiation conducted within the framework of the "Minsk Group" [of the OSCE], in which France participates actively, must be strengthened with the aim of securing a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I am persuaded that there is no military solution to this conflict. Only a negotiated political solution can solve the situation. It is true that Europe and multilateral institutions such as PACE have also a key role to play in order to support the diplomatic process and to promote dialogue and cooperation.

- Share please your views about future cooperation between France and the EU with the South Caucasus?

- France and Europe are looking forward to strengthening their cooperation with the countries of South Caucasus. The EU has already structured this cooperation through the "Eastern Partnership", which aims at developing our economic and political links. But a lot remains to be done, in particular on commercial and energetic issues.

At the same time, we command efforts made by the Caucasus countries to meet their economic, institutional, educational, social and cultural challenges. Besides the diversification and the modernization of the economy, pursuing the reforms in the social and democratic domain to guarantee social cohesion is of particular importance. France and Europe will continue to accompany this trend as partners.