Jacques Chirac, the President of France, has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to negotiate to resolve the dispute arising from both countries' claims over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On Wednesday, during a conversation with Robert Kocharian, the President of Armenia, in Paris, Chirac emphasized the importance of the Minsk Group's assistance within the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in resolving the conflict. According to Kocharian, he agrees with Jacques Chirac's view and believes that negotiations to end the dispute should begin before the end of the current year.
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Jacques Chirac Calls for Negotiations Between Armenia and Azerbaijan to Resolve Disputes - 2003-07-16
Feb 10, 2026
February 10, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
French President Jacques Chirac has urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage in negotiations to settle their territorial disputes over Nagorno-Karabakh. This call came during a meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocharian, who supports the idea of starting talks before the year ends. The situation is significant as it involves regional stability and international diplomatic efforts.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Chirac's call for negotiations highlights the ongoing international efforts to resolve a long-standing territorial dispute that affects regional stability.
👥 Key Players
Jacques Chirac
MENTIONED
President of France
"As a major European leader, Chirac's involvement signifies international interest in the South Caucasus region and the importance of diplomatic solutions."
Robert Kocharian
MENTIONED
President of Armenia
"Kocharian's support for negotiations indicates Armenia's willingness to engage in dialogue, which is crucial for regional stability."
📰 What Happened
French President Jacques Chirac called for negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve their territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. During a meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocharian, both leaders expressed the need for dialogue before the year's end.
- The Nagorno-Karabakh region is a disputed territory claimed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- The Minsk Group, part of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, is involved in mediating the conflict.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran shares borders with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and stability in the region is crucial for its national security and economic interests.
🌍 Regional: A resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict could lead to greater regional stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus.
🌐 International: International stakeholders, particularly in Europe and the U.S., are interested in preventing conflict escalation and promoting peace in the region.
📚 Background
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been a source of tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the Soviet era, with both nations claiming the region. International mediation efforts have been ongoing for decades.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Minsk Group mediation
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The article presents a straightforward account of diplomatic efforts without apparent bias, making it a reliable source for understanding the situation.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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