France plans to turn South Caucasus into battlefield Azerbaijan's security chief says

The head of Azerbaijan's State Security Service, Col-Gen Ali Nagiyev, raised alarming concerns over France's alleged attempts to destabilize the South Caucasus region.

In an interview with the official newspaper, Nagiyev accused France of supplying weapons and ammunition to Armenia, a move he claims could escalate tensions in the area, APA reports.

"Instead of maintaining peace in the region, France places its military mission there, incites Armenia to another war, and tries to implement its plan to turn the South Caucasus into a battlefield," stated Nagiyev.

He further emphasized that France's actions extend beyond military support, alleging the country's involvement in espionage activities aimed at undermining Azerbaijan's national security.

"Through representatives of its intelligence service, France attracts various persons to secret cooperation, forms a spy network, and acts to the detriment of the national security of Azerbaijan," Nagiyev asserted.

Nagiyev voiced concerns over the role of certain Western nations, particularly France, in the region's affairs. He accused France of adopting a biased stance in the mediation of the Karabakh conflict, alleging its historical patronage of Armenia and comprehensive support to the country.

"The circles that do not ensure stability and operate under the name of 'observation mission' on the border of the two states, especially France, which took on the mediation mission in the process of settlement of the Karabakh conflict, but in fact, taking a unilateral position, patronized Armenia for many years and provided comprehensive support to it," Nagiyev asserted.

The State Security Service has taken swift action in response to these alleged threats. According to Nagiyev, the service has conducted a preliminary investigation into 340 criminal cases during 2023, targeting individuals involved in activities such as high treason, espionage, terrorism, and attempts on the lives of statesmen or public figures.

"During 2023, the State Security Service conducted a preliminary investigation into 340 criminal cases against 190 individuals," Nagiyev disclosed. "27 criminal cases were related to high treason, 12 to espionage, 7 to an attempt on the life of a statesman or public figure, 35 to terrorism, preparation for terrorism and participation in armed conflicts outside the Republic of Azerbaijan."

Additionally, Nagiyev addressed the ongoing efforts to address the plight of citizens missing since the First Karabakh War. He revealed that intensive work is underway to clarify the fate of 3,890 individuals registered as missing persons, including the identification of mass graves in recently liberated territories.

"As a result of the measures taken, the remains of 107 missing persons were identified, of which the names of 34 people were made public," Nagiyev stated. "The names of another 73 people will be made public in the coming days."

Nagiyev's statements underscore Azerbaijan's commitment to safeguarding its national security and ensuring justice for those affected by past conflicts. The State Security Service remains vigilant in its efforts to counter external threats and maintain stability in the region.