BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. We express regret
over the comments made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign
Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot during Senate debates on January 29, 2025,
once again attempting to spread claims about Azerbaijan’s so-called
“interference” in the issue of France’s overseas territories, said
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan in a recent
post on its X page, Trend reports.
The Ministry emphasized that the French Foreign Minister’s
comments accusing Azerbaijan of “interference” in the overseas
territories matter are an attempt by France to conceal its inaction
regarding the demands of the indigenous people of New
Caledonia.
“The interference of France, as always in regional issues, tried
to undermine the process initiated by Azerbaijan toward restoring
peace and stability. The Baku Initiative Group, as an NGO, strives
to raise awareness about France’s colonial policy and its issues in
overseas territories. Attempts to discredit the work of such groups
undermine the decolonization process.
Instead of ending its repressive policies toward the indigenous
people of New Caledonia—where at least 14 people were killed and
many others were injured just last year due to the use of
force—France is resorting to blackmailing Azerbaijan, demonstrating
the inefficiency of its foreign policy strategy.
Furthermore, France’s abuse of its role and resources in various
international organizations to pressure international NGOs
promoting anti-neocolonial agendas will not work. We firmly reject
and condemn the anti-Azerbaijani statements of the French foreign
minister,” the post reads.
