Azerbaijan missed the opportunity to exert pressure on France through  support for separatism in New Caledonia

ArmInfo.Azerbaijan has lost the opportunity to exert pressure on France through financial support for separatists in New Caledonia. The newly elected President of the Congress of New Caledonia, Veilma Faleo, announced the cancellation of a cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan.

According to Azerbaijani media, the agreement, signed earlier this  year by Faleo's predecessor Ro Wamitan, was intended to financially  support New Caledonia's struggle for independence from France. The  partnership had been part of broader efforts by Kanak separatist  leaders to seek international support for their independence  movement.  Violent riots broke out in New Caledonia in May of this  year, with many separatists waving Azerbaijani flags. They left 13  people dead and caused significant material damage.

 However, the move has provoked a sharp reaction from the French  government, which accused Azerbaijan of meddling in its overseas  territories and stoking separatist ambitions. 

Faleo's decision marks a significant shift from the Wamitan  administration, which had worked closely with Azerbaijan in recent  years. It is noted that in a recent referendum, the people of New  Caledonia voted to remain under French rule, further undermining  Azerbaijan's diplomatic overtures.