Baku urged Paris to put end to "provocative and inflammatory ideas"

Baku/06.05.23/Turan: Official Baku has reacted to the latest statement by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna against the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

"The fact that French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna mistakenly called the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan an "enclave" within Azerbaijan in the form of "Nagorno-Karabakh" is a disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the rights of Azerbaijanis who have undergone massive ethnic cleansing in this region," said spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan Aikhan Hajizadeh, commenting on the statements of Colonna against Azerbaijan in an interview with public radio "France Inter".

In that interview Colonna referred to the Karabakh region as an "enclave" inside Armenian-populated Azerbaijan. She reiterated that the Lachin road was under "blockade" and demanded that it be opened.

In turn, Hajizadeh reminded the French Minister that the Karabakh region is an internationally recognized sovereign territory and an integral part of Azerbaijan.

At the same time, the claim of the French side that the Lachin border checkpoint, established by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory and through which Armenian residents have already begun to pass in both directions, allegedly blocks the road, has no basis whatsoever. "Azerbaijan protects its borders and their crossing is carried out in accordance with the legislation of the country and the rules adopted at the international level. The French side must put an end to such provocative and inflammatory ideas that do not serve peace and stability," Hajizadeh further said. -06В-