Azerbaijani diplomat slams French FM's attempts to cover up Paris's inaction in New Caledonia

The spokesperson for Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizada, has strongly rejected and condemned recent remarks made by French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, accusing Azerbaijan of interference in overseas territories.

In a post on X on January 25, Hajizada described Barrot's comments as "an overt attempt to cover up France’s inaction vis-a-vis demands of the indigenous population of New Caledonia," Caliber.Az reports.

"It was France that has always interfered in regional affairs and tried to undermine the process led by Azerbaijan to restore peace and stability," Hajizada stated.

Hajizada also highlighted the role of the Baku Initiative Group, an NGO focused on drawing attention to France's colonial policies. "The Baku Initiative Group, being an NGO, aims at bringing into publicity France's colonial policies and problems in overseas territories. Efforts to denigrate the work of such groups undermines the process of decolonization."

Turning to New Caledonia, Hajizada accused France of repression against its indigenous population. "Instead of ending the policy of repressions against the indigenous population of New Caledonia, where as a result of the use of force at least 14 people died and many were injured last year, blackmailing against Azerbaijan demonstrates how futile France’s foreign policy strategy is."

He further criticized France's use of its influence in international organizations. "Moreover, the abuse by France of its role and resources in multiple international organizations to put pressure on international NGO advocates aiming at propagating against neo-colonial policies is pointless and will not yield results."

Concluding his remarks, Hajizada firmly stated, "We resolutely reject and condemn anti-Azerbaijani claims of French Foreign Minister."

By Khagan Isayev