Ambassador: Paris stands ready to assist process of establishing peace between Baku and Yerevan

Together with the European Union, France fully supports the recent brave efforts that have been undertaken by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia and stands ready to assist the process of establishing peace, Zacharie Gross, Ambassador of France in Azerbaijan, told Report.

"There is a real possibility that a peace treaty could be negotiated between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the near future. This has been discussed by the leaders of both countries. Letters have been exchanged between them on key principles. Official contacts have been held. Civil society representatives have also met. This process allows us to be cautiously optimistic," he said.

All the same, the French diplomat admits that it will be difficult to achieve a peace treaty.

"Civil society can play an important role. Academics, think tankers, artists, authors, actors, business people, simple citizens can all strengthen the process by speaking out in favour of peace. Women have an especially important and internationally recognised role in peace-making," the ambassador said.