New War
BAKU: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in a pointed accusation, has accused France of actively fueling a new war in the Caucasus by supplying military assistance to Armenia, Azerbaijan’s historical adversary.
This accusation comes in the context of the long-standing territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region reclaimed by Baku in September following a swift offensive against Armenian separatists.
During a conference in Baku, President Aliyev stated that France’s policy of arming Armenia, along with encouragement for revanchist forces and the creation of conditions for potential new wars, reflects a concerning militaristic approach.
Aliyev, represented by his foreign policy advisor, further asserted that France’s actions are not only disrupting stability in its former and current colonies but are also exacerbating tensions in the South Caucasus by allegedly supporting separatist trends.
A consistent source of contention has been Azerbaijan’s criticism of France for harboring what it perceives as a pro-Armenian bias, given the significant Armenian diaspora in the country. Despite international efforts, including EU-mediated peace talks, progress in resolving the territorial conflict has been limited.
Both President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have expressed optimism about the possibility of signing a comprehensive peace agreement by the end of the year. However, recent developments have strained diplomatic efforts. President Aliyev opted not to attend negotiations with Prime Minister Pashinyan in Spain, citing perceived French bias.
The planned involvement of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as mediators in those talks adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate situation. The accusations and geopolitical intricacies surrounding this conflict underscore the challenges faced in achieving a lasting and comprehensive resolution in the Caucasus.
