Azerbaijan's Aliyev Pledges Support for French Territories' Independence Amid Tensions with France

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed his commitment to assist France’s overseas territories in their quest for independence, intensifying ongoing tensions between Baku and Paris. This statement, made on July 20, comes as Azerbaijan accuses France of meddling in its affairs, particularly regarding France's relations with Armenia, with whom Azerbaijan has fought two wars over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Aliyev's remarks were delivered at a media forum shortly before the Paris Olympic Games and followed a congress in Baku that gathered pro-independence groups from New Caledonia and other French territories. He emphasized the need to support regions still under colonial rule, citing territories like the Comoros islands and Mayotte. “We will support you until you are free,” he declared, highlighting Azerbaijan's role in aiding these territories against what he termed a "revolting remnant from the past." The congress in Baku saw participants from various French territories, including Corsica and Pacific islands, who criticized French authorities. Reports indicate that an Azerbaijani delegation was invited to New Caledonia, further straining relations. France has accused Azerbaijan of inciting unrest in New Caledonia through misleading social media campaigns, a claim Azerbaijan has denied. The diplomatic rift has deepened, with Azerbaijan expelling two French diplomats last December amid accusations of bias in favor of Armenia in peace negotiations.