Vantage | Why Azerbaijan accuses France of stoking a new war

In recent times, attention has shifted to the tumultuous borderlands between Asia and Europe, where tensions are once again escalating in the Caucasus region, specifically between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The aftermath of Azerbaijan’s resounding victory in September has given rise to a fragile peace, but accusations of destabilisation are now being levelled at France by Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev.

The roots of the current turmoil lie in the longstanding conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, these nations have been embroiled in disputes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The lack of international intervention, largely due to the influence of Russia in the region, allowed the two former Soviet states to engage in two major wars. In an unexpected turn of events, France has emerged as a significant player in the region. Azerbaijan’s president accuses France of playing a “destructive role” and alleges that Armenia has become a puppet of the French government, posing a serious threat to regional stability. “France is playing a very destructive role in the Southern Caucasus. Actually, Armenia has become a puppet of the French government now, which can seriously threaten regional stability,” said President Aliyev. Armenia, having decisively lost Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, now finds itself in a precarious position. The international recognition of the region as Azeri territory has led to the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians, who sought refuge in Armenia. With Moscow preoccupied by its conflict in Ukraine, Armenia has been left without its traditional regional ally. France’s ongoing support France, under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, has been actively courting Armenia, especially in the aftermath of its defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh. Macron’s government has been sending ministers to the region, lobbying for Armenia at international forums and providing aid and supplies to the Armenians affected by the conflict. In a move that has further escalated tensions, France has entered into long-term defence contracts and military training agreements with Armenia. French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, emphasized the importance of protecting sovereignty and people, hinting at a deepening alliance between the two nations. “In the defence field, protecting your sovereignty and protecting your people, the French Republic, in the name of these values and in the name of the special bond that unites our two countries, we are very pleased to be able to see these contracts signed today and this defence cooperation becomes a reality,” said Lecornu. Suren Papikyan, Minister of Defence of Armenia said, “Today, our cooperation includes the modernisation of the defence capabilities of the Republic of Armenia’s armed forces, the education and training of personnel, the exchange of experience, advisory support in the field of reforms, the armed forces and a number of other priority areas.” This military cooperation has not been well-received by Azerbaijan leading to President Aliyev’s recent accusations against France. Azerbaijan’s warning President Aliyev’s stern warning alleges that France is destabilising the South Caucasus by supporting separatist tendencies and militarising Armenia. He contends that France’s actions could pave the way for new wars in the region, raising concerns about the fragile peace that currently exists. As France continues to deepen its involvement in the Caucasus, the region stands at a critical juncture. The accusations and warnings from Azerbaijan highlight the delicate balance that must be maintained to prevent a resurgence of hostilities in this historically troubled region. The international community will be closely watching the evolving dynamics in the South Caucasus and the role that France plays in shaping its future. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.