Visiting deputy chairperson of the France-Caucasus friendship group, head of the France-Azerbaijan working group, senator Mrs. Nathalie Goulet and her accompanying delegation gave an interview to Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency, AzerTAc.
Q: How do you assess your visit to Azerbaijan and the meetings you held here?
Senator Nathalie Goulet: I have visited Azerbaijan several times. But my colleagues are visiting your country for the first time. I think it would be better if they answer this question. As you know we have a very tough itinerary. We held fruitful meetings during which we discussed a number of interesting issues.
Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: We have witnessed great hospitality in Azerbaijan. The meetings were held in a frank atmosphere. We also saw high level of tolerance in your country.
Senator Sylvie Goy-Chavent: It is my first visit to Azerbaijan. I am very glad to get acquainted with a nation with great culture and civilization. I will return to Paris with great impressions.
We met with refugees and IDPs as part of the visit and familiarized ourselves with their living conditions. I will never forget this meeting. I think that the issue of refugees and IDPs is one of the most important problems Azerbaijan has faced. Much has to be done in this respect. And each of the senators perceive Azerbaijan`s problems and are ready to contribute to resolving these problems.
Senator Herve Maurey: During my trip to Azerbaijan I discovered a country with rich culture, and got information about your country`s political, economic, cultural life.
We got acquainted with the living conditions of Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs. We will spare no efforts to raise the awareness of the French community on their conditions.
Senator Andre Reichardt: Rich culture, hospitality, fruitful meetings, useful exchange of views - this is what I can say about our Azerbaijan visit. This visit was important for me in terms of understanding Azerbaijan`s sensitive attitude to regional issues.
Q: We would like to know your opinion on the decision to be made by France`s Constitutional Council with respect to the bill criminalizing the denial of so-called Armenian genocide?
Nathalie Goulet: Many senators signed a letter of complaint which was sent to the Constitutional Council. This is because we think that parliamentarians have to deal with legislature, not with history. This issue is enshrined in the 34th article of France`s Constitution. So we hope that Constitutional Council will not approve the bill.
Azerbaijan kept a close eye on the Senate discussions on the bill. We understand the Azerbaijani community`s concerns over the bill, and we witnessed it during the meetings.
Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: I want to note that French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that he will send the bill to the Constitutional Council for the second time if the Council does not approve it. If it happens, this will mean pressure on the Council. But I think the Constitutional Council will not approve the bill on the first time.
Q: France is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The bill casts doubts on France`s neutrality regarding the settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What is your point of view?
Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: We understand the Azerbaijani community`s concerns over this issue. We discussed it in the meetings as well. Of course, a wrong decision must be prevented. We are sure that France will protect its objective position within the OSCE Minsk Group.
Senator Nathalie Goulet: France has a resolute position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. France supports Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. We think that occupied territories must be liberated and Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs must return to their homelands. I want to stress once again that France`s position will remain unchanged.
Senator Andre Reichardt: I`m also confident that common sense will triumph. France will not change its position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

AzerTAc