Azerbaijan Strongly Rejects and Condemns French Foreign Minister’s Anti-Azerbaijani Claims

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan has strongly rejected allegations made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot regarding alleged Azerbaijani interference in France’s overseas territories, stating that such claims are an attempt to divert attention from France’s own policies.

“We regret that on January 29, 2025, during Senate discussions, Minister Jean-Noël Barrot once again attempted to spread baseless accusations regarding Azerbaijan’s so-called interference in France’s overseas territories,” said Aykhan Hajizade, Spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hajizade emphasized that the accusations were aimed at covering up France’s failure to address the concerns of the indigenous population of New Caledonia. He noted that France has historically interfered in regional affairs and attempted to disrupt Azerbaijan-led peace and stability efforts.

“The Baku Initiative Group, as a non-governmental organization, seeks to shed light on France’s colonial policies and the challenges faced by its overseas territories. Efforts to discredit such groups undermine the decolonization process,” Hajizade added.

He further criticized France’s response to unrest in New Caledonia, citing the loss of at least 14 lives and numerous injuries due to the use of force in the past year. “Rather than addressing its policy of repression, France’s blackmailing of Azerbaijan exposes the weaknesses of its foreign policy strategy,” he stated.

Additionally, Hajizade condemned France’s alleged misuse of its influence within international organizations to suppress NGOs advocating against neo-colonial policies. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s firm rejection of what he described as “anti-Azerbaijani claims” made by the French Foreign Minister.