Aliyev Promises Aid to French Overseas Territories for Independence

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pledged support for the independence of France's overseas territories, escalating a series of tensions between Azerbaijan and France. Aliyev accuses France of interference regarding Armenia and the disputes over Nagorno-Karabakh. Recently, Azerbaijani attention has focused on New Caledonia, amid local unrest and contentious reforms.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev vowed on Saturday to assist France's overseas territories in securing independence, marking the latest development in ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Paris over longstanding conflicts in the Caucasus.

Aliyev accused France of interfering in Azerbaijani affairs due to its relations with Armenia, with whom Azerbaijan has fought two wars in the last 30 years over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Recently, Azerbaijani leaders have turned their attention to New Caledonia, amid weeks of unrest and objections from Indigenous Kanak activists over electoral reforms.

Speaking at a media forum, Aliyev addressed the issue just days before the Paris Olympic Games. His comments came after a congress in Baku that included pro-independence groups from New Caledonia and other French territories. Aliyev pledged continued support for their independence, labeling colonial rule as 'revolting' and citing examples like the Comoros islands.

Earlier in the week, an 'initiative group' met in Baku with pro-independence advocates from French territories such as Corsica and Caribbean and Pacific islands. French media reported that the meeting featured sharp criticism of French authorities and included an invitation for an Azerbaijani delegation to visit New Caledonia. France has accused Azerbaijan of meddling and inciting unrest in New Caledonia via misleading social media content, allegations Azerbaijan has denied.

Azerbaijan believes France shows bias in favor of Armenia in peace treaty efforts to end three decades of conflict. Tensions escalated last December when Azerbaijan expelled two French diplomats.

(With inputs from agencies.)