Azerbaijan Rejects Unfounded Allegations by French Minister Manuel Valls

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has strongly rejected the recent allegations made by Manuel Valls, France’s Minister of the Overseas, during his interview with BFM TV. Responding to a local media inquiry, Hajizada condemned the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

“We strongly reject the unfounded allegations against our country, which France regularly makes to conceal its failed policies in the overseas territories and its ongoing attempts to preserve its colonial legacy,” said Hajizada.

The Azerbaijani spokesperson further addressed Valls’ claims, calling them “ludicrous” and accusing the French minister of promoting a colonial mindset. “His statement, describing France as existing ‘on 3 oceans and 5 continents,’ reflects nothing more than France’s inability to accept the loss of its colonial foothold among nations,” Hajizada added.

Hajizada also criticized Valls’ portrayal of France as an “exceptional power,” suggesting that the minister’s allegations were insufficient and contradictory given the violent acts occurring in France’s overseas territories and the suppression of independence movements there. “This double standards mentality is evident in Minister Valls’ remarks, showing how France is willing to disregard principles such as independence and freedom of opinion when its own ‘strategic interests’ are threatened,” he stated.

In conclusion, Hajizada called on France to stop its “unfounded smear campaign” against Azerbaijan, urging an end to the baseless allegations.