France Recalls Ambassador to Azerbaijan Amid Tensions Over Armenia Ties

France has recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan in response to escalating tensions between the two countries over France's support for Armenia. The move comes after Azerbaijan's parliament called for the French government to be expelled from the OSCE Minsk Group, which is mediating the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azerbaijan has accused France of bias in favor of Armenia, citing recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron expressing support for Armenia's territorial integrity. Macron also criticized Azerbaijan's military actions in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region during the 2020 war between the two countries.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry said the recall of its ambassador was a "proportionate and temporary response" to Azerbaijan's "unfriendly actions." The ministry also reaffirmed France's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that respects the territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between France and Azerbaijan highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Caucasus region and the challenges of resolving long-standing territorial disputes. The recall of the French ambassador could further complicate efforts to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and maintain stability in the region.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry responded by accusing France of "unilateral support" for Armenia and disregarding Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. The ministry said Azerbaijan would take "adequate measures" in response to France's actions, without providing specifics.

The tensions between France and Azerbaijan come amid a broader context of regional instability and competing geopolitical interests in the Caucasus. Russia, Turkey, and Iran all have significant stakes in the region, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been a flashpoint for decades.

The French Foreign Ministry said it remains committed to working with all parties to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. "France will continue to work towards a negotiated, lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in coordination with its European and American partners," the ministry said in a statement.

Key Takeaways

• France recalls ambassador to Azerbaijan over tensions on Armenia support
• Azerbaijan accuses France of bias, calls for its expulsion from OSCE Minsk Group
• France says recall is a "proportionate and temporary response" to Azerbaijan's actions
• Tensions highlight complex geopolitics in Caucasus, challenges in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
• France says it remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict