Azerbaijan rejects French minister's statements on peace process and trial of Armenian individuals

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Aykhan Hajizada, has strongly rebuked French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot’s statements made on April 2, 2025, during a session of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly.

“We firmly reject the allegations made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot during his speech at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on 2 April 2025, regarding the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and the trial of persons of Armenian origin,” Hajizada stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry's press service.

Hajizada addressed Barrot’s remarks concerning Azerbaijan’s demand for changes to the Armenian constitution, specifically the claims over Azerbaijani territories. According to Hajizada, these claims, which have been under discussion for over two and a half years, cannot be presented as a new precondition.

“Questioning the legitimate demand to amend the Armenian constitution, which contains claims to Azerbaijani territories, that have been discussed for the past two and a half years, while presenting it as a new precondition, is unacceptable," he said. He further added, “If France, as it claims, indeed supports the early signing of a peace agreement, then it should encourage Armenia to take appropriate steps.”

On the issue of individuals of Armenian origin accused of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and other serious offenses, Hajizada stressed Azerbaijan’s right to pursue justice independently. “Regarding the calls for the release of individuals of Armenian origin accused or convicted of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, military aggression, torture, and other serious offenses, we emphasize that it is Azerbaijan’s right to investigate and prosecute such crimes," he noted, citing the UN Human Rights Council Working Group’s Opinion on Arbitrary Detention, published on March 13, 2025, which supports Azerbaijan’s position.

Hajizada also criticized France for what he described as double standards, pointing to France’s internal issues. “It would be more appropriate for the French side, which is attempting to interfere in judicial proceedings in other countries, first and foremost investigate facts such as political persecution in France and the killing of protesters in various rallies, torture of the local population in overseas territories as a result of France’s neocolonial policy, and the spread of bribery and corruption in the French Parliament,” he said. He referred to the French Minister’s refusal to comment on domestic legal matters as indicative of France’s selective approach to human rights and the rule of law.

“On the same occasion, in response to a question from a member of parliament about the inadmissibility of interfering in other countries regarding the rule of law when the judicial system in France is used as a means of pressure against political opponents, the French Minister’s response that he can’t comment on the decision of a French court is also an indication of the double standards of the French side," Hajizada added.

Hajizada concluded by urging France to cease actions that undermine regional peace and stability. “We demand France to cease its steps that do not serve peace and undermine stability in the region,” he stated.

By Khagan Isayev