Within the framework of the ongoing International Organization of Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, the Baku Initiative Group has issued a statement regarding the inclusion of provocative statements filled with unilateral, biased, and distorted expressions against Azerbaijan, supported directly by France.

Axar.az presents the text of the statement:

The fact that the International Organization of Francophonie, which is a cultural organization, adopts documents concerning a sovereign country that is not a member, and in general on issues outside its mandate, not only seriously undermines the reputation of this organization but also demonstrates that it is being used by France as a tool of pressure against other states, playing a political role.

In line with the respect for international law, the Baku Initiative Group, which works to advance the process of decolonization and fight against (neo) colonialism worldwide, calls on the International Organization of Francophonie to pay attention to the crimes committed by the French government in overseas territories still under French control.

It should be noted that in Kanaky (New Caledonia), in response to peaceful protests against the gross violations of the rights and freedoms of the Kanak people by the French government, more than 10 civilians have been killed by French security forces, and hundreds have been arrested. Nearly 10 participants of the protests are being subjected to pressures as political prisoners in prisons in mainland France.

In Mao`hi Nui (French Polynesia), the French government is trying in every way to shut down “Tefana Radio,” which serves as the voice of freedom and local traditions.

In Corsica, the French government prohibits the use of the Corsican language in state enterprises.

In the illegally annexed Mayotte Island, the French government imposes the Balladur visa, preventing Mayotte from maintaining contact with its sister islands in the Comoros, thereby forcing the local population to forget their culture, language, and traditions and to live according to the rules of French culture.

-The French government implements an assimilation policy in French Guiana, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, sidelining local languages and forcing indigenous children to receive education under France's teaching system, which does not consider their local history, geography, or culture.

This is just a small list of the countless crimes committed by France in its overseas territories, which continue to this day.

France pursues a deliberate policy of destroying national identity in its former and current colonies and has unfortunately achieved this to a large extent.

In light of the above, as the Baku Initiative Group, we make the following calls to the International Organization of La Francophonie:

- A statement condemning these crimes by the French government should be issued by the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

- A special session regarding the crimes committed by France should be held during the Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

- A special investigative commission should be sent to examine the crimes committed in the territories still under French rule. The report prepared by the commission should be submitted to the UN Special Committee on Decolonization. The Baku Initiative Group is ready to provide its expert support for the commission's work in the territories.

- A call to the French government to cease the mandatory use of the French language in public institutions, official correspondence, courts, etc., in its colonies.