Azerbaijan's Leader Blasts France for Destabilizing Role in South Caucasus
The Azerbaijani leader criticized France for its neocolonial approach, alleging it has been instrumental in fueling separatist sentiments.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev speaks during a joint press conference holding with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili (not seen) after their meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia on October 08, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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zerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has leveled serious accusations against France, suggesting the European nation is actively destabilizing the South Caucasus. Speaking at the international conference on “Decolonization: Women’s Empowerment and Development,” on November 21, President Aliyev did not mince words, asserting that France’s support for separatist groups and military assistance to Armenia are actions that could provoke new conflicts in the region.
In his address, the Azerbaijani leader criticized France for its neocolonial approach, alleging that it has been instrumental in fueling separatist sentiments. He claimed that France’s policies are reminiscent of its colonial past and that instead of contributing to peace, it is preparing “the ground for the start of new wars in our region.”
President Aliyev accused France of leveraging its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to advance biased and prejudiced policies. He also claimed that France is engaging in geopolitical machinations across various regions, attempting to manipulate Western organizations to exert pressure on other states.
The Nagorno-Karabakh region
The remarks come amid a backdrop of historical grievances and recent military clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Azerbaijani leader’s comments reflect deep-seated tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which have been exacerbated by external involvement.
Aliyev’s allegations extend beyond regional politics, touching on France’s broader historical legacy. He suggested that instead of addressing its colonial past marked by “bloody crimes,” France continues to engage in what he termed “fictitious ethnic cleansing” narratives in other countries.
The President’s harsh rebuke indicates a sharp deterioration in relations between Azerbaijan and France. It also highlights the complexities of the South Caucasus, where historical disputes, international diplomacy, and the struggle for regional influence continue to pose significant challenges.
A victim of historical injustices perpetuated by colonial powers
The conference, attended by international delegates, provided a platform for President Aliyev to voice his concerns and position Azerbaijan as a victim of historical injustices perpetuated by colonial powers. The gathering focused on the role of women in development but was overshadowed by the strong political statements from the host country’s leader.
The French government has not yet responded to President Aliyev’s accusations, and it remains to be seen how this diplomatic spat will unfold. The European Union, of which France is a key member, has been keenly interested in the stability of the South Caucasus, a region fraught with territorial disputes and ethnic tensions.
As the chair of the upcoming 2026 ASEAN conference, the Philippines has expressed concerns about the conflict, highlighting the broader international implications of the ongoing tensions.
Source: Anadolu Agency
