We regret that on January 29, during discussions in the Senate, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot once again attempted to spread allegations of alleged interference by Azerbaijan in France's overseas territories. We would like to reiterate that Jean-Noël Barrot's statement accusing Azerbaijan of interference in overseas territories is an attempt to cover up France's inaction in response to the demands of the indigenous population of New Caledonia.

Axar.az reports that these views were included in the statement of Aykhan Hajizada, the press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the allegations voiced in the French Senate.

The press secretary said that it is France that has always tried to disrupt the process of Azerbaijan's restoration of peace and stability by interfering in regional issues:

"The Baku Initiative Group, as an NGO, aims to publicize France's colonial policy and problems in overseas territories. Attempts to discredit the work of such groups undermine the decolonization process.

Instead of ending the policy of repression against the Indigenous population of New Caledonia, where at least 14 people were killed and many more were injured as a result of the use of force last year alone, blackmailing Azerbaijan demonstrates how useless France's foreign policy strategy is.

In addition, France's abuse of its role and resources in various international organizations to pressure international NGO advocates who aim to propagate neo-colonial policies is pointless and will not yield any results.

We firmly reject and condemn the anti-Azerbaijani claims of the French Foreign Minister."