Azerbaijani diplomat urges France to stop militarising Armenia As it undermines peace efforts

Azerbaijan has expressed strong disapproval of France's stance during and after the Patriotic War of 2020, criticizing the country for its perceived anti-Azerbaijani position.

Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, conveyed these concerns in an interview with local media, according to Caliber.Az.

During and after the Patriotic War of 2020, France took a clear anti-Azerbaijani stance, which is regrettable, Hajizada said.  

He stressed that France's actions call into question the efforts to normalise relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the basis of sovereignty and territorial integrity and contribute to the aggravation of the situation.

"France's anti-Azerbaijani initiatives in the UN Security Council, the European Union, the Organization of Francophonie and other international platforms have proven that the claims that this country is a neutral mediator are completely unfounded. Despite France's accusations against Azerbaijan, the steps and statements of official Baku to France were exclusively retaliatory to the destructive activities of this country,” the spokesperson said.

Hajizada emphasized that the strengthening of Armenia's military capabilities, with the support of France, poses a significant threat to peace and stability in the region.

“Armenia and France must put an end to the policy of militarisation in the region. These countries must finally understand that there is no alternative to peace and cooperation. Despite the smear campaign against Azerbaijan, we have always kept the channels for dialogue open. We expect the French side to abandon its anti-Azerbaijani actions, stop its policy directed against us and undermining regional stability,” he concluded.