France will not participate in the COP29 climate summit due to attacks from Azerbaijani President Aliyev.

The COP29 conference, taking place in Azerbaijan and focused on combating climate change, is mired in new controversies, reports RFI.

On November 13, during the Summit of Small Island Developing States, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that “the peoples of French colonies continue to suffer from colonial rule” in this century. He accused France of spreading radiation in French Polynesia from 1966 to 1996, as well as the negative consequences of nuclear tests in Algeria.

“The Macron regime killed 13 people and injured 169 during a lawful protest by Kanaks this year in New Caledonia. A total of 1,700 individuals were arrested. Additionally, 38 people were arrested this year during protests in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Yet, France has not been condemned by the European Commission, the European Parliament, or the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,” Aliyev stated.

He labeled the European Parliament and the PACE as “political hypocrites, sharing responsibility with President Macron’s government for the killings of innocent people.”

Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher believes that Aliyev's “attacks” represent a gross violation of the code of conduct of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“President Aliyev's remarks against France and Europe at COP29 are unacceptable. The direct attacks on our country, its institutions, and territories are unjustified. Azerbaijan is using the fight against climate change as a tool to achieve unworthy personal goals,” stated the French minister.

After consulting with the President and Prime Minister of France, the minister decided not to travel to Baku next week. However, she promises that French representatives, with her remote support and in collaboration with European partners, will “make every effort to protect the planet and its people from climate change.” She reminds that France continues to advocate for the advancement of the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015.

Head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell criticized Aliyev’s speech.

In his address, the Azerbaijani leader stated: “The chief European diplomat Josep Borrell calls Europe a garden, and the rest of the world a jungle (...). If we are in the jungle, then keep your distance and do not interfere in our affairs.” He added that Azerbaijan will support small island states.

Borrell responded by noting that Aliyev's accusations, particularly against France, “cause great regret.”

“These unacceptable statements risk undermining the vital climate goals of the conference and trust in Azerbaijan’s presidency at COP29,” stated the head of EU diplomacy.

He also emphasized that the EU and its member states are the largest donors of global climate financing, supporting partners worldwide in the fight against climate change.

France is not new to being the target of attacks from the Azerbaijani president, as Paris provides assistance to Armenia after Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.

In addition, Baku actively supports the fight for independence of France's overseas territories, including New Caledonia.

As reported, the COP29 climate conference will last for two weeks. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron rejected the possibility of his participation in the event amid diplomatic misunderstandings with Baku.

Background. It is worth noting: France accused Azerbaijan of inciting protests in New Caledonia. Baku seeks to take revenge on Paris by escalating tensions in the overseas territory due to France's support for Armenia.