Euronews: Political tensions are rising between Azerbaijan and France

Political tensions stemming from France’s support for Armenia and its accusations against Baku resurfaced at the COP29 climate summit, Euronews writes.

COP29 climate summit opened with a diplomatic incident in Azerbaijan, where host President Ilham Aliyev sparked tensions with France by accusing President Emmanuel Macron’s government of committing “crimes” in its overseas territories.

Experts say the rising tensions between Paris and Baku stem from France’s strong support for Armenia in its territorial conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

“This is a largely political move by Azerbaijan to push back against France for its strong support of Armenia,” Teona Lavrelashvili told Euronews.

Paris, in turn, accuses Baku of political interference, particularly in New Caledonia, where riots in May left 13 dead after a controversial draft law on electoral changes sparked unrest.

“There is clear political interference. There is what is known as the Baku initiative group, which was set up in July 2023 and continues to thrive today,” said Bastien Vandendyck, a professor of Pacific geopolitics and chief of staff to Sonia Backès, President of New Caledonia’s southern province.

A report from VIGINUM, France’s agency for monitoring foreign digital interference, indicates that Azerbaijan has carried out disinformation campaigns targeting France on social media.

“If Azerbaijan truly cared about the right of peoples to self-determination, it would start with its own territory,” said the international relations analyst.

Vandendyck believes Azerbaijan used New Caledonia as a testing ground for its tactics and is now shifting its focus to the French West Indies, French Guiana, and French Polynesia.

Despite ongoing trade and gas contracts between Baku and the EU, tensions show no sign of easing.