Paris says Azerbaijan freed Frenchman as humanitarian gesture

​France's ‌foreign ministry ​on Wednesday welcomed ‌Azerbaijan's release of French citizen Martin Ryan as ‌a humanitarian ‌gesture that would pave the way ⁠for improved ​relations.

European ⁠Union sanctions were ⁠lifted from two ​Russian oligarchs at France's request, ⁠which diplomats ⁠said ​was linked to the release ⁠of French nationals held ⁠in ⁠Azerbaijan.