Azerbaijan denounces French minister's allegations as baseless

In a strong rebuke to recent statements made by Stephane Sejourne, the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Aykhan Hajizada, denounced the allegations as baseless and reflective of France's efforts to sow discord in the region.

During a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State in Paris on April 2, 2024, Minister Sejourne accused Azerbaijan of conducting aggressive rhetoric and arming Armenia, thus promoting militarism in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

In response, Hajizada condemned these assertions, stating, "presenting Armenia as a peaceful country while ignoring its occupation of Azerbaijani territories for nearly 30 years, displacement of almost one million Azerbaijanis, and perpetration of massacres and crimes against humanity is a clear distortion of reality."

Hajizada emphasized that Azerbaijan has been actively engaged in the peace process following the 44-day patriotic war, and accused France of obstructing these efforts. "The policy of countries like France, covering up Armenia’s aggression for the past 30 years, has not been helpful," he stated, highlighting the detrimental impact of such actions.

Furthermore, Hajizada underscored Azerbaijan's commitment to global initiatives, particularly as the host of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). He urged France to refrain from damaging Azerbaijan's image and targeting its presidency, emphasizing that constructive engagement would serve the interests of both nations.

"It should be clear to everyone that as long as France continues its destructive actions, it will not benefit the damaged image of France nor Armenia, which it defends by all means," concluded Hajizada.