APA: President Ilham Aliyev addressed the Leaders’ Summit of the Small Islands Developing States on Climate Change, held on November 13 as part of COP29, where he brought attention to France’s historical and ongoing actions in its overseas territories. Aliyev stated that French Polynesia and New Caledonia have remained non-self-governing territories since being recognized by the United Nations in 1946-1947, with their decolonization process still lagging.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Aliyev criticized France for the environmental degradation in French Polynesia caused by 193 nuclear tests, which resulted in significant soil and water contamination and radiation. He also mentioned the 17 nuclear tests conducted by France in Algeria during its occupation, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted on the planet’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, President Aliyev pointed out human rights violations committed by France in its overseas territories. He specifically mentioned the protests in New Caledonia, where
numerous citizens were reportedly killed and injured under the Macron regime.