President of Azerbaijan Slams France for Neocolonialist Tactics and Demands Apology
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a scathing criticism of France on Wednesday, accusing the country of perpetuating a neocolonial policy and calling on French President Emmanuel Macron to apologize for France’s colonial past. President Aliyev’s remarks came during a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in the capital city of Baku, where he emphasized the need for France to acknowledge its historical culpability and address the deep-rooted problems of racism and discrimination.
Highlighting the urgent necessity for an apology, President Aliyev stated, “It will not only be an acknowledgment of France’s historic culpability, but it will also help it overcome the consequences of the deep political, social, and humanitarian crisis it found itself in after the brutal murder of a teenage Algerian.” Aliyev’s remarks were in reference to the tragic incident involving Nahal M., a 17-year-old boy of Algerian origin, who was shot dead by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre just last week.
The officer responsible for the incident is currently under investigation for intentional homicide and has been placed in custody. President Aliyev expressed solidarity with the recent United Nations statement that urged France to confront the profound issues of racism and discrimination within its law enforcement agencies. He also pointed out the concerning rise of racist and discriminatory rhetoric, which he claimed has become disturbingly “mainstream” in France, including within the media.
In addition to condemning racism and discrimination, President Aliyev warned against the dangerous consequences of Islamophobia and xenophobia. He vehemently opposed any attempts to equate Islam with violence and terrorism, emphasizing the importance of promoting religious tolerance and understanding in a diverse global society.
Furthermore, President Aliyev criticized France’s hypocrisy and double standards when it comes to international affairs. He accused France of interfering in the internal affairs of other nations under the pretext of defending human rights and upholding international law. Such interference, President Aliyev suggested, undermines the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.
The Azerbaijani president’s bold statements reflect growing concerns about France’s handling of its colonial legacy and the need to address deeply ingrained issues of racism and discrimination. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan stands firmly in support of efforts to combat these societal challenges on a global scale.
President Aliyev’s call for an apology from President Macron serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and taking responsibility for their consequences. It also emphasizes the need for introspection and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
