A delegation of nine members of the French parliament visited Crimea in Russia from 23-26, despite criticism from the French Foreign Ministry, which deemed it a "violation of international law."

French Transport Minister Thierry Mariani. Photo: Reuters

In an interview with the Russian economic daily Kommersant, French Transport Minister Thierry Mariani, head of the delegation visiting Crimea, stated that the delegation included nine members of the French Parliament and one senator. Eight of those members belonged to the "Republican Party" of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Earlier in a telephone interview with RT, Thierry Mariani said he and his colleagues would arrive in Moscow on the evening of July 22 and in the Crimean towns of Sevastopol and Yalta on the morning of July 23.

During this time, they will meet with the head of the Crimean administration, Sergey Aksyonov, and the leader of the city of Sevastopol.

Additionally, the delegation visited the French cultural center in Sevastopol and the cemetery commemorating French soldiers who fought in the Crimean War of 1854-1855.

According to Mariani, the visit aimed to help French MPs better understand the situation in Crimea, and some MPs—like himself—have recognized Crimea's annexation by Russia as a historical fact, confirmed by a legitimate referendum.

He also added that the visit did not receive full support from the French government and the French Foreign Ministry had warned those participating in the delegation.

Earlier on July 22, the French Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that the trip belonged to individuals and that it was a violation of international law, and expressing regret over the incident.

However, the French delegation visiting Crimea stated that the visit demonstrated a spirit of friendship and encouraged other European governments to undertake similar visits to improve relations with Russia.

(According to TPO)