Azerbaijan condemns French minister’s remarks on peace process and trials of Armenian nationals in Baku

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman, Aykhan Hajizada, has strongly condemned remarks made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot regarding Azerbaijan, as well as the French Ambassador’s reposting of these statements.

On April 14, 2025, speaking on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, Jean-Noël Barrot raised a series of allegations directed at Azerbaijan, touching on issues related to regional tensions, the peace process, and the trial of Armenian nationals currently underway in Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Ministry's press service.

In response, Aykhan Hajizada, spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, issued a firm rebuttal to both the French minister’s remarks and the ambassador’s actions on social media.

“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,” Hajizada stated.

He went on to accuse France of hypocrisy in its foreign policy approach:
“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.”

Highlighting France’s military support to Armenia, Hajizada said: “France's provision of lethal weapons to Armenia, coupled with its persistent anti-Azerbaijan stance, not only undermines the peace process, but also stands in stark contrast to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's public expressions of concern over regional tensions.”

He emphasized that France is fully aware of the key elements required for achieving a lasting peace: “Moreover, while the finalization of work on the draft peace treaty is an important development, 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.”

Responding to criticisms over the trial of Armenian nationals in Azerbaijani courts, Hajizada underlined Azerbaijan’s sovereign right to hold individuals accountable: “Obstructing judicial processes for those accused of crimes against humanity not only meddles in a nation's sovereignty but also erodes accountability for grave atrocities. Such interference by France, shields perpetrators and risks perpetuating cycles of impunity.”

He also turned the spotlight on France’s global role, accusing it of neocolonial practices: “Instead of interfering in our regional affairs, France should give up its neocolonial policy, particularly in its overseas territories and Africa, which drawn large criticism from various nations, not just 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. It is no secret that France's foreign policy exposes the moral bankruptcy of its so-called 'civilizing mission'. We demand France to cease its steps that do not serve peace and undermine stability in the region,” he said.

By Khagan Isayev