France is not recognizing the independence of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), despite the relevant resolution of the national Senate, Sputnik reported, citing a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry.

The French Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution by an absolute majority of votes calling on the country's government to recognize the Republic of Artsakh. The document, which is advisory in nature, has been hailed both by Armenia and Artsakh.

"During the debates held before the voting [in the Senate], State Secretary for Tourism, the French Abroad and the Francophonie Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne reiterated the French stance on this issue: France is not recognizing the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic," the spokesperson said on late Thursday.

He stressed that as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, France must work towards a political settlement of the conflict, including the discussion of the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the spokesperson, the outcome of these negotiations could not be determined unilaterally in advance.

"Today, we must focus on ensuring the safe return of displaced people, who had to leave their homes within the recent weeks over the conflict. The state secretary also stressed in his address to the Senate that no nations had recognized Nagorno-Karabakh so far," the spokesperson added.