Nagorno-Karabakh: meeting with an Armenian, who left France to return to fight at home
Armenian soldiers holding their position near a Nagorno-Karabakh border, April 8, 2016. (Illustrative photo) Staff / Reuters
Text by: Nicolas Falez Follow
3 min
Negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan began this Friday, October 9 in Moscow, after almost two weeks of deadly fighting in the Nagorny-Karabakh enclave.
This territory, populated by Armenians, claims its independence while it is located within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan.
An anonymous Armenian, settled for several years in France, decided to return to his country to fight.
He confided in RFI.
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He is 31 years old and does not wish to give his name.
And by the time we meet him, he's about to take off.
His luggage is ready.
"
It's the bare essentials: drugs, equipment to survive the night, to light, to sleep ...
", he describes.
He grew up in Armenia and knows
Nagorny-Karabakh well
, since it is in this region that he did his two years of military service.
It was also there that his two brothers had already joined the Armenian forces.
He is in contact with them, even if the exchanges are brief.
“
Very short words.
'' Yes, everything is fine ''
, slips the fighter.
► Also to listen: Nagorno-Karabakh: residents of Stepanakert tell about their flight to Armenia
"It's my duty"
He has been living and working in France for seven years, where he arrived for his studies.
He will soon receive French nationality.
It is to return to fight in Armenia that he has just obtained a leave of absence from his employer.
“
I still waited two, three days before making a big decision.
It is heavy to bear, but it is my civic duty.
I have a decent life in France, but I also think about all those who are in the galleys.
"
Before saying goodbye to his French colleagues, he explained his choice to them: “
I had support, but some also tried to keep me in France.
And I totally understand their approach.
The thirty-something hopes to return in six weeks.
► Also listen: "Turkey has never invested so heavily in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict"
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