France has taken a step toward normalizing relations with Azerbaijan — Euronews

The day after Azerbaijan granted a pardon to French citizen Martin Ryan, the French side announced the start of the “normalization” of relations between the two countries.

A statement from France released on Thursday made no mention of the case of Alisher Usmanov or the lifting of EU sanctions against him, but it referred to a “patient and demanding dialogue,” and the presidential pardon of Ryan is described as “a humanitarian gesture that France welcomes.”

This apparent diplomatic breakthrough toward what Paris now calls “a step toward normalization” of relations between France and Azerbaijan coincides with the reconciliation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is now unfolding after decades of war over Karabakh.

For many decades, France has been one of Armenia’s staunchest supporters, which has led to a strain in relations with Azerbaijan.

Euronews cites a statement from the French Foreign Ministry to that effect.

Azerbaijan rejected France’s statements in a travel advisory, according to the Anadolu Agency.

In addition to French national Martin Ryan, Azerbaijan has released four other foreigners—France24.

Aliyev pardoned the Frenchman after sanctions against Usmanov were lifted