Azerbaijan rejected fresh allegations from France over New Caledonia and other French overseas territories, accusing Paris of continuing a confrontational approach toward Baku.
The response followed remarks by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot during the OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy, held in Paris on Oct. 12-13.
Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, said Barrot again targeted Azerbaijan with unfounded allegations during his Oct. 13 address. The French minister linked Baku to movements advocating rights in French overseas territories, according to the Azerbaijani response.
Baku Calls Allegations Unfounded
Hajizada said France’s latest accusations showed that Paris remained unwilling to abandon what he described as confrontational rhetoric in relations with Azerbaijan.
He argued that French officials discussing democracy, human rights and the rule of law should first ensure that those principles are applied consistently in France’s own policies.
Azerbaijan called on France to stop making allegations against Baku and to observe mutual respect, sovereign equality and noninterference in domestic affairs, according to the statement reported by APA.
Long-Running Diplomatic Dispute
Baku has repeatedly rejected French claims that Azerbaijan has interfered in New Caledonia and other overseas territories. Azerbaijani officials say attributing local grievances to foreign involvement dismisses the political will of residents and the problems they have raised.
The latest exchange shows that the dispute between Baku and Paris over France’s overseas territories remains unresolved. This round of accusations came during an international forum focused on confidence in public institutions and the resilience of democratic systems.