France-Azerbaijan diplomatic tensions escalate as Paris recalls ambassador
Azerbaijan condemns French pressures and threats following the recall of the French ambassador, vowing to protect its national interests
The French government took a decisive step by recalling its ambassador to Azerbaijan Tuesday, signaling a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
France accuses Azerbaijan of engaging in actions that have seriously undermined their bilateral relationship.
President Emmanuel Macron met with the recalled French ambassador, Anne Boillon, in Paris to discuss these developments. During this meeting, Macron openly expressed his disappointment, stating: “I regret Azerbaijan’s actions,” emphasizing the need for Baku to clarify its future intentions.
The root of the conflict lies in the long-disputed Azerbaijani region of Karabakh, which is traditionally a flash point between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
France, with its historical alliances with Armenia and a substantial Armenian community within its borders, has repeatedly raised alarms over Azerbaijani ambitions extending beyond the region.
These concerns grew after Azerbaijani forces captured significant parts of Karabakh in the conflicts of 2020 and a swift campaign in September 2023.
Responding to the recall of its ambassador, Azerbaijan accused France of exerting undue “pressure” and “threats.”
Aykhan Hajizada, a spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, firmly stated: “Speaking in a language of threat and pressure will not bring any results.”
He further declared that Azerbaijan is prepared to take all necessary actions to safeguard its national interests.
Amid these diplomatic strains, France has continued to bolster its defense cooperation with Armenia.
Recent transactions include the sale of precision rifles from French arms manufacturer PGM and, in October 2023, the provision of three radar systems and night vision goggles to Armenia, actions that have incited further discontent from Azerbaijan.
Despite these rising tensions, France’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to facilitating the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stressing adherence to international law and the territorial integrity of the nations involved.
However, efforts to advance talks on normalization have seen little progress.
Source: Newsroom
