France blames Azerbaijan for protests in New Caledonia

French Interior Minister Ferald Demanin blames Azerbaijan for the events in New Caledonia

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Thursday accused Azerbaijan of instigating incidents in the French territory of New Caledonia.

Darmanin emphasized that New Caledonia is under French jurisdiction and criticized Azerbaijan for attempting to meddle in France’s domestic affairs.

Speaking on France 2 channel, Darmanin stated, “This is not a fabrication. I lament that certain separatist groups are forging alliances with Azerbaijan.”

“Despite any efforts to intervene, France maintains sovereignty over its territory,” added the French minister.

Relations between Azerbaijan and France have deteriorated since the Second Karabakh War. Baku is uneasy with France’s support of Armenia through arms sales and perceives France’s policies as colonialist. Conversely, France alleges that supporters of independence in New Caledonia are backed by Azerbaijan.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia after two nights of rioting over constitutional reform, stating any further violence will be met with a firm response and urging political dialogue to resolve the unrest, the Elysee announced.

Macron’s move comes as part of efforts to assert France’s role in the Pacific amid competition from China and the U.S. New Caledonia, situated between Australia and Fiji, is among several French territories globally, with a population of nearly 300,000. France pledged increased political autonomy for New Caledonia in the 1998 Noumea Accord, leading to three referendums on independence, all of which were rejected.

Source: Newsroom