Azerbaijan strongly rejects French minister's allegations on regional developments and peace process

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong response to recent comments made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, who, during the EU foreign ministerschr("39") meeting in Luxembourg on April 14, voiced critical remarks regarding Azerbaijan's role in regional developments and ongoing legal proceedings involving Armenians currently on trial in the country.

Speaking to local media, Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada firmly rejected the allegations, describing them as hypocritical. He also condemned the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan for reposting these claims on social media.

Hajizada criticized the duality in France's foreign policy, saying Paris is speaking about peace while simultaneously fueling conflict through its support for Armenia, including the supply of lethal weapons.

"Francechr("39")s provision of lethal weapons to Armenia, coupled with its persistent anti-Azerbaijan stance, not only undermines the peace process, but also stands in stark contrast to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrotchr("39")s public expressions of concern over regional tensions," he noted.

Hajizada noted that while the finalization of work on the draft peace treaty is an important development, the French side is well-aware that the signing of the peace agreement and lasting stability among others requires addressing core challenges, notably elimination of Armeniachr("39")s territorial claims in its Constitution, and official dismantling of the Minsk Group and other related OSCE structures.

"Obstructing judicial processes for those accused of crimes against humanity not only meddles in a nationchr("39")s sovereignty but also erodes accountability for grave atrocities. Such interference by France, shields perpetrators and risks perpetuating cycles of impunity," he said.

"Instead of interfering in our regional affairs, France should give up its neocolonial policy, particularly in its overseas territories and Africa, which drawn large criticism from various nations, not just Azerbaijan," Hajizada said.

He noted that French neocolonialism, while exploiting indigenous populations and resources, has always prioritised French interests over native welfare and fuelled long-term instability and ethnic tensions.

"It is no secret that Francechr("39")s foreign policy exposes the moral bankruptcy of its so-called chr("39")civilizing missionchr("39")," he said.

Hajizada concluded by urging France to abandon its destabilizing actions and instead contribute constructively to regional peace and stability.

"We demand France to cease its steps that do not serve peace and undermine stability in the region," he said.