Baku: The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Aykhan Hajizada, has strongly condemned remarks made by France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, accusing Azerbaijan of interference in overseas territories. Hajizada addressed these comments on his X account, criticizing France for allegedly using these accusations to divert attention from its own issues in New Caledonia, as reported by APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Hajizada highlighted that France has historically meddled in regional affairs and attempted to destabilize Azerbaijan’s efforts to establish peace and stability. He pointed out that the Baku Initiative Group, a non-governmental organization, aims to shed light on France’s colonial policies and issues in its overseas territories. He argued that efforts to discredit such groups hinder the decolonization process.
Hajizada further accused France of maintaining a policy of repression against New Caledonia’s indigenous population, noting that at least 14 people died and
many were injured last year due to the use of force. He characterized France’s actions against Azerbaijan as indicative of a failing foreign policy strategy.
Additionally, Hajizada criticized France for allegedly abusing its influence in international organizations to pressure NGOs that oppose neo-colonial policies, declaring such actions as ineffective. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm rejection and condemnation of the French Foreign Minister’s anti-Azerbaijani claims.