Senator Lana Tetunui calls on central government to correct Azerbaijan’s interference

During questions to the government in the Senate on Wednesday, Senator Lana Taitunui questioned the prime minister about Azerbaijan’s interference in French Pacific territories.The elected separatists are moving towards Azerbaijan with total impunity, and we are letting it happen“she pointed Movement of several Tavernier elected officials As well as the signing of the memorandum between the Blue Party and Azerbaijan, and its role during the unrest in New Caledonia.”Despite all the work being done in Parliament on the specter of foreign interference, what is France’s position? How does France intend to guarantee the security and stability of our territory in the face of foreign interference?“

The central government responded through Minister Franck RiesterHe is the representative responsible for foreign trade and the attractiveness of France.”Azerbaijan has chosen to provoke an unprecedented crisis in bilateral relations with France. Baku is stepping up its attacks on France. First of all, these are information exercises: Viginum (an organization that fights foreign digital interference, editor’s note) has recorded more than 30 of them since January 2023. They are unacceptable and we condemn them in the strongest terms. (…) We note with concern the invitation sent by Azerbaijan on May 30 to certain independence leaders in French Polynesia. We are also considering taking some measures against separatists in New Caledonia. We will continue to condemn these practices, oppose all foreign interference, and build a democratic shield against such interference."The minister gave an example,"Russian interference“ : “These David’s stars in Paris“,”These red hands on the Holocaust memorial“,”These coffins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower“.

This answer did not seem to convince the senator, who insisted:Should I remind you that in Polynesia more than 75% of the population wants to remain in the sphere of influence of the French Republic? The silence of Paris calls us. We expect strong national action to prevent any manipulation by other countries in our coveted territories and never experience what our New Caledonian neighbors are going through.“.

For months, the Baku oil dictatorship has harshly denounced “French colonialism” and supported the Corsican, Caledonian and Polynesian movements in retaliation for France’s pro-Armenian policies. In fact, Azerbaijan and Armenia have been in open conflict since 2021, and despite repeated calls from the European Parliament, France and the United States, Azerbaijan has not withdrawn its troops.

In addition, Azerbaijan was accused by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin of interfering in the conflict in New Caledonia.

The President of Azerbaijan was replaced by Ilham Aliyev, who was elected with more than 92% of the vote. There are numerous cases of torture in Azerbaijan’s prisons. Independent NGOs, human rights activists and independent journalists have had to leave the country or are harassed by the regime.