26/01/2025

A Commentary by Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, regarding the groundless accusations made by French officials against the organization

As you know, the International Front of Decolonization, founded in Azerbaijan, held its Congress on January 23–24, 2025, in Kanaky (New Caledonia).
French officials refer to the decolonization process of the colonies as France's internal matter and in this regard, accuse the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) of interfering in France's internal affairs. BIG firmly rejects and condemns these accusations. The raising of the Azerbaijani flag in Kanaky is a gesture of gratitude from the Kanak people toward Azerbaijan and its leader.
Fundamental human rights, as well as freedom cannot be considered an internal matter of any country, and officials in France, which calls itself the cradle of democracy, are well aware of this. In the 21st century, there is no place for colonialism, and the right of the peoples to these territories must urgently be recognized in relation to the Peoples who are the rightful owners of these islands.
Regardless of location, freedoms are a universal value that must be respected by all. As an international NGO committed to combating colonialism, the Baku Initiative Group has declared the decolonization process as its primary goal, in accordance with its mandate, and continues to carry out its legitimate activities in this regard.

We invite the French government to set aside those groundless accusations and engage in cooperation with the Baku Initiative Group. Additionally, we call on international organizations and the international community to support the BIG in this effort. Colonies have the right to independence, and this can also be considered as a restoration of historical justice.

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