Baku summons French ambassador for “calls for a boycott” of COP29 by Paris

The French ambassador to Azerbaijan was summoned by Baku, which denounces “calls for boycott” by Paris of the COP29 which is taking place in this country, announced the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“On November 20, Anne Boillon, the French ambassador to Azerbaijan, was summoned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”indicates a press release from Azerbaijani diplomacy.

“Calls for a boycott of this prestigious UN event (…) France's encouragement of several heads of state to refrain from attending the event, as well as the adoption of a resolution unfairly criticizing the (Azerbaijani) Presidency and our global efforts to combat climate change by the European Parliament, with France's particular efforts at the start of COP29, are unacceptable”justified Baku.

Azerbaijani diplomacy also claims to have “attracted attention” from the French ambassador on the fact that “the actions of France, which ensures the massive supply of weapons to Armenia and promotes militarism and revanchism, compromise the peace process”according to this press release.

“We strongly denounce misinformation about the so-called boycott campaign”reacted Thursday Christophe Lemoine, the spokesperson for French diplomacy, during a press point. “During this COP29, Azerbaijan would benefit from focusing on issues relating to climate action”he continued.

On Tuesday, the Azerbaijani ambassador to France was herself summoned by Paris “following the unacceptable remarks made against France and Europeans by the Azerbaijani authorities within the framework of COP29”French diplomacy indicated.

Azerbaijan, whose relations with France are very tense due to French support for its historic enemy Armenia, has been accused by Paris of interference during recent riots in New Caledonia, allegations rejected by Baku.

In a speech at COP29 in Baku on November 13, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev reiterated his attacks against Paris. In front of representatives of island states, some of whom applauded him heartily, he accused the “President Macron's regime” to have “killed 13 people and injured 169 people (…) during the legitimate protests of the Kanak people in New Caledonia”.

No member of the French government is participating in the major climate conference, one of the main issues this year relating to climate finance. Paris, however, sent a negotiating team of around forty experts there.