The French government has once again criticized Azerbaijan's "destabilizing policy" regarding the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, particularly its support for calls for independence.
According to Le Figaro, as reported by "European Truth", this was stated by the Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, during his visit to New Caledonia – an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean near Australia.
Minister Valls asserted that France will "utilize all tools" to counter external interference in the situation surrounding New Caledonia and condemned Azerbaijan's "destabilizing policy."
"Azerbaijan... is attempting not only to influence political debates, exploiting crisis moments like those recently experienced in New Caledonia, but also to pursue a policy of interference and destabilization," said Manuel Valls.
He noted that Azerbaijan's rhetoric regarding New Caledonia appears odd.
"Statements demanding more democracy and greater protection from a country that does not practice democratic approaches and has conducted a real ethnic cleansing in Karabakh clearly show that its interest lies not in protecting anyone here, but in harming France," the minister stated.
In the same week that the French minister arrived on the archipelago for discussions about the territory's future status, several journalists from French overseas territories were invited to Azerbaijan on behalf of the "Baku Initiative" organization to "strengthen media ties between Azerbaijan and nations affected by French colonial policies."
In the summer of 2024, a congress of pro-independence political forces and movements from French overseas territories was held in Azerbaijan with Baku's support, during which they announced the establishment of a "movement for the liberation of colonies."
In November 2024, Paris ignored the climate summit in Baku following statements from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about France's "colonial oppression" regarding its modern overseas territories.
Manuel Valls assured that Paris will combat all forms of external interference.
"Freedom of speech and thought, discussions on international issues – all of this will remain... But participating in forums and actions aimed at harming France's strategic interests is unacceptable. The French state will employ all measures to prevent this," emphasized the minister.
The support from Azerbaijan for initiatives advocating for the independence of French overseas territories is linked to the partnership between France and Armenia, Azerbaijan's historical adversary.
It is worth noting that in May 2024, New Caledonia was engulfed by massive riots due to a proposed electoral reform initiative from Paris. The indigenous Kanak population claimed that it was aimed against them and would obstruct their quest for independence.
As a result of the riots, 13 people were killed, including two police officers, while hundreds were injured. To stabilize the situation, France deployed thousands of military and police personnel to New Caledonia.
In June, French President Emmanuel Macron suspended the electoral reform.