Azerbaijan Strongly Rejects French Foreign Minister’s Remarks
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation of recent statements made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and echoed by the French Ambassador to Baku, describing the allegations as unfounded and detrimental to regional peace efforts.
“We firmly reject and condemn the allegations made by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot that is also referred by the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada on Monday in response to a local media inquiry.
Hajizada criticized what he described as a “troubling inconsistency” in France’s foreign policy, which he said claims to promote peace while simultaneously fueling regional tensions. “The duality in France’s policy—professing a desire for peace while pursuing actions that perpetuate conflict—exposes a troubling inconsistency. Such a hypocritical policy hinders prospects for a durable peace in the region,” he stated.
The spokesperson highlighted France’s continued supply of lethal weapons to Armenia and its alleged anti-Azerbaijan stance as actions that contradict the French foreign minister’s stated concerns over tensions in the South Caucasus. These moves, Hajizada said, undermine the peace process and stability in the region.
He also drew attention to key issues in the peace negotiations, noting that finalizing a draft treaty is only one part of the equation. “The French side is well-aware that the signing of the peace agreement and lasting stability among others requires addressing core challenges, notably elimination of Armenia’s territorial claims in its Constitution, and official dismantling of the Minsk Group and other related OSCE structures,” Hajizada asserted.
In a further rebuke, Hajizada accused France of interfering in judicial processes concerning individuals accused of crimes against humanity, describing such actions as violations of national sovereignty and impediments to justice. “Such interference by France shields perpetrators and risks perpetuating cycles of impunity,” he said.
The Azerbaijani official also criticized France’s broader foreign policy, particularly in its overseas territories and Africa. He described France’s legacy of neocolonialism as exploitative and destabilizing, asserting that it has drawn criticism from a wide range of countries, including Azerbaijan. “French neocolonialism, while exploiting indigenous populations and resources, has always prioritised French interests over native welfare and fuelled long-term instability and ethnic tensions,” he said.
Hajizada concluded by urging France to abandon what he termed its neocolonial practices and to refrain from actions that undermine peace and regional cooperation. “We demand France to cease its steps that do not serve peace and undermine stability in the region,” he added.
