By Mariam Levina

France marks Bastille Day, the French national holiday, on July 14. Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an interview with France’s Ambassador to Armenia Henri Reynaud.

July 14 is celebrated not only in France, but all over the world. What do you think the French Revolution gave the world?

The French Revolution helped the world to enter a new era, forming background of new social and political order. It came to replace autocracy, and was dictated by the people demanding the separation of powers, establishment of law as asole means of control. The new order brought equal political rights to the citizens,  eliminated discrimination by birth or wealth.

In addition to seizing Bastille, which put an end to voluntarism, the Revolution of 1789 was also marked by two events – August 4 refusal of privileges and the August 26 declaration of human and civil rights. It is this document that was predecessor to the UN Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

In addition, the revolutions contributed to unification of Europe, through the dissemination of  Civil Code, united society coordinating laws and principles. On September 20, 1792 with the sound of the Marseillaise great German writer Goethe said today the world entered a new era.

What do you think to what extent modern Europe is carrying out the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity?

The revolution of 1989 in Europe was a consequence of the French Revolution. The principles preserved their values and are the background of the European order even if nowadays they are speaking more about tolerance than fraternity. “Tolerance” united the principle of equality and contributed to the principle of freedom. It was in the name of the principles of freedom and equality that France recently adopted the principle of “marriage for all”. Principle of tolerance is present in all processes of social policy development. The European Court of Human Rights is designed to monitor their implementation, as an increasing number of Europeans are turning to the courts to protect their rights.

In contrast to the doctrine of Karl Marx and Communists, the so-called principles of the bourgeois revolution have not become obsolete. On the contrary, they have been rooted in all continents. The story, which, no doubt, is not over.

Is Europe taking sufficient efforts to promote humanity within Europe and outside?

Protection of human rights and the values ​​of the republic is a priority of the European Union, which are being developed in relationship with  partners. All agreements with the EU partners have considerable sections concerning this area. As an example, I want to note the agreements concluded within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.

What do you think Armenia has achieved on the way to European values?

In its history, culture and desire for rapprochement with Europe, Armenia is a deeply European state. In addition, Armenia has been a member of the Council of Europe for over 10 years, and this aims to protect the European system of values ​​and human rights. Last year Armenia chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. For its part, the international structures register significant achievements of Armenia in this area.

Can France play a significant role to help improve the state of human rights in Armenia?

In this context, France is in a regular contact with Armenia with the help of Eastern Partnership policy. Human rights are one of the key directions of cooperation mentioned in the statement adopted by Armenia and EU during the summit in Vilnius. In order to deepen this dialogue, France calls to find a formula that will allow Armenia to have political association with the EU. In terms of bilateral relations, France constantly invites Armenia to participate in initiatives in this area, for example, a seminar on women’s rights held in Paris last year.

Do you think the parties to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are ready for finding a civilized solution?

More than 20 years passed since signing of ceasefire in 1994. It is necessary to establish a longstanding peace on the basis of the Madrid Principles proposed by co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states have repeatedly made similar appeal to the  parties. There is no alternative to peaceful resolution of the conflict. France calls on the parties to establish an atmosphere of trust and take the opportunity of advancing talks  to find a peaceful solution.

A personal question. Do you have a favorite place in Yerevan?

I do have a lot of favorite places in Yerevan. I really love the park opposite the municipality where I walk at any time of the year. I think many people recognize me, and I am pleased to talk to passers-by, especially to park employees. I think this is a special part of my day.