The evaluation provided by these materials (practically identical in text) on the events in the region frames it such that “amid large-scale unrest in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Azerbaijan of interference,” stating that “some separatists had made an agreement with Baku.”
Thus, there is no attempt whatsoever to reveal the true background of the initial peaceful protests. The “freedom-loving” Western journalists completely ignore the fact that the French parliament passed a law allowing residents of France who have lived in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in local legislative elections. This specific point caused justified dissatisfaction among many Kanaks, the indigenous people of New Caledonia, who fully understand the far-reaching intentions of official Paris.
But do the initiators of the anti-Azerbaijani hysteria need historical truth? The answer is clear. Just as during the entire period of occupation of historic Azerbaijani lands, France tried to rehabilitate the aggressive aspirations of Armenian politicians, the country today, in relation to New Caledonia, ignores international law. Unlike the historical fact of the occupied lands belonging to Azerbaijan, New Caledonia has never been an integral part of France. But does Paris care about this truth?
Moreover, those spreading information about the deteriorating situation in New Caledonia, citing French media, eagerly report on the “annoyance” of the French authorities “berating Azerbaijan using” the “Baku Initiative Group” (BIG), established in 2023, for French colonialism and “supporting the independence supporters of New Caledonia.” This is paralleled by the sight of demonstrators waving Azerbaijani flags, some of whom happily donned T-shirts with the “Baku Initiative Group” (BIG) logo.
In this context, the statements from the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs deemed it appropriate for the French Interior Minister to “focus on his country’s failed policy towards overseas regions, which has led to such protests.” This failure not only refers to the disgrace of French special services in Azerbaijan but also to France’s global historical defeats, including their cherished colonialism. In the context of France promoting a neocolonialist policy, Baku cannot remain silent in defending historical justice, especially within the framework of international law.
Can it be otherwise, especially since just yesterday, during a video conference organized under the title “Solidarity with the Kanak People,” representatives from political movements fighting for independence in France’s last colonies—Kanaky (New Caledonia), Māʻohi Nui (French Polynesia), French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Corsica—participated? Representatives from New Caledonia provided detailed information about the atrocities committed in recent days by French police and gendarmes in the capital, Noumea, and surrounding areas. In light of this, the participants called on the international community not to turn a blind eye to France’s unjust colonial policies and demanded international organizations prevent “gross violations of international law norms and principles by France.” The joint statement condemned the French government’s forced implementation of illegal changes to expand the electorate in New Caledonia, aiming to leave the Kanak people “in the minority on their own land.” The signatories expressed full support for their “just struggle for independence.”
So, what democratic traditions or human rights protection can French authorities talk about? Especially since the world has not forgotten that less than 100 years ago (in 1931), Kanaks were displayed in a zoo in the Bois de Boulogne as “living exhibits,” pelted with bananas and stones by the French as if they were animals.
Thus, Azerbaijan, essentially following the agenda voiced by President Ilham Aliyev, cannot but stand on the side of those oppressed by states claiming to be citadels of democracy in the 21st century. It’s no coincidence that in November 2023, leading media worldwide quoted President Aliyev’s address at the international conference “Decolonization: Empowerment and Development of Women.” For instance, Deutsche Welle highlighted his remarks on France’s militaristic policy by arming Armenia; encouraging revanchist forces in Armenia to prepare the groundwork “for provoking new wars in our region.” DW also quoted the president’s comments on France destabilizing “not only its former and current colonies but also in the South Caucasus, where it supports separatist movements and separatists.”
Just two days ago, in his greeting to participants of the Global Dialogue Forum in Lisbon on the topic “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Rapidly Changing World,” Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of every individual today “recognizing their responsibility to prevent global problems facing humanity in a timely manner.”
As significant world leaders acknowledge, words in official Baku always match actions. Therefore, considering Azerbaijan’s consistent adherence to international law and its calls for other states to support these norms, Baku will not ignore global injustices, primarily aimed at preserving colonialism.
Teymur Atayev
Translated from minval.az
