Tit-for-Tat: France Retaliates, Expels Azerbaijani Diplomats

In a recent escalation of diplomatic discord, France has taken the unprecedented step of expelling two Azerbaijani diplomats from its territory. The decision, shared by the French Foreign Ministry, follows Azerbaijan's earlier declaration of two diplomats working at the French embassy in Baku as "undesirable persons."

The French Foreign Ministry asserted its position, vehemently rejecting the accusations leveled by Azerbaijan as the rationale behind their decision. "We resolutely deny the accusations that Azerbaijan presents as the basis of its decision," stated the ministry, emphasizing its disagreement with the allegations put forth by the Azerbaijani authorities.

Clarifying the motivation behind the expulsion, the French Foreign Ministry clarified that this action was a reciprocal measure in response to Azerbaijan's previous declaration. The Azerbaijani ambassador to France was formally summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where he was duly informed about France's decision to expel the two diplomats.

This development marks a tit-for-tat exchange in diplomatic reprisals. Notably, the preceding day witnessed the summoning of the French ambassador in Baku to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. The purpose of this meeting was to communicate Azerbaijan's decision to declare two French diplomats as "undesirable persons."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan cited activities contradictory to diplomatic norms and the Vienna Convention as the grounds for designating the French diplomats as undesirable. However, the specifics regarding these alleged activities were not explicitly outlined in the statements released by either country's Foreign Ministry.

The diplomatic rift between France and Azerbaijan highlights escalating tensions, with both nations engaging in reciprocal actions targeting diplomats.