The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan, represented by Spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada, issued a stern response, condemning Macron’s comments as biased and unhelpful to the peace process in the region.
Hajizada expressed disappointment with Macron’s justification of Armenia’s militarization policies, accusing France of perpetuating tensions and obstructing peace efforts. “The remarks by President Macron justifying Armenia’s militarization policy and displaying open bias against Azerbaijan is another vivid example of France’s efforts to create tension in the region,” Hajizada stated.
The Azerbaijani spokesperson highlighted Azerbaijan’s stance, reaffirming that their military actions to reclaim territories occupied by Armenia for nearly three decades were legitimate and aligned with international law. “Azerbaijan’s war to end Armenia’s 30-years-long occupation on its sovereign territories and to restore sovereignty and territorial integrity was our legitimate right under international law,” Hajizada emphasized. He contrasted this with what he described as Armenia’s aggression and occupation, which displaced nearly one million Azerbaijanis and involved numerous human rights violations.
Hajizada criticized France for portraying Armenia as a peaceful nation, despite its historical actions against Azerbaijan. “Presenting Armenia by France as a peaceful country, which occupied the territories of Azerbaijan for nearly 30 years and committed massacres and crimes against humanity, demonstrates the unfair policy of this country,” he argued.
Furthermore, Hajizada pointed out that France, along with other countries, had previously covered up Armenia’s aggression, thereby hindering a peaceful resolution for many years. “It was the policy of countries like France covering up Armenia’s aggression that prevented the end of Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories,” he noted.
In conclusion, the Azerbaijani MFA reiterated that France’s current approach does not contribute to peace and only destabilizes the region. “The efforts of France, which do not serve peace and destabilize the situation in the region, will not yield any results,” Hajizada declared.
