France, Russia stand on opposite sides of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

Azerbaijan has accused France of threatening the country after Paris recalled its ambassador and accused Baku of damaging relations. Meanwhile Russian peacekeepers have begun withdrawing from the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, which Azerbaijan recaptured from Armenian separatists last year.

Azerbaijan on Wednesday accused France of pressuring and threatening the country after Paris recalled its ambassador, Anne Boillon, and accused Baku of damaging bilateral ties.

Azerbaijan has slammed France on multiple occasions over what it sees as the country's support for rival Armenia in a long-running stand-off between the neighbours.

"France's actions over the past three and a half years have seriously put under question the efforts to normalise relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia based on sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contributed to the escalation of the situation," according to a statement by the Azeri foreign ministry.

"It is clear as day that the actions of France, which is extensively arming Armenia and promoting militarism in the region, do not serve peace."

Rising tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron had recalled Boillon to Paris to discuss ties with Azerbaijan, France's foreign ministry said.

"France has decided to recall its ambassador to Azerbaijan for consultations due to unilateral actions taken by Azerbaijan in recent months, which are damaging to our two countries," according to a statement shared on social media.

It comes as Yerevan seeks to reduce its dependence on Moscow, traditionally Armenia's ally.

(with newswires)

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