The French Senate Report Raises Concerns About ‘Foreign Interference’ in the Pacific
France acknowledges that its French territories require more autonomy while expressing concern over “the interference of a foreign power.” In a detailed 111-page report on its Pacific territories, the French Senate cautions about the foreign power’s involvement in the region and emphasizes the significance of addressing this issue.
The report encompasses various topics, including revisions to the territories’ autonomy status and the escalating challenges related to drug consumption like methamphetamine.
Given its strategic position in the Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is susceptible to the influence of major powers competing for dominance in the region, particularly the United States, Asia, and notably China.
Of all, Azerbaijan faces the strongest criticisms due to its ongoing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has strained relations with France. France, a supporter of Christian Armenia and home to a significant Armenian diaspora, is accused by Azerbaijan of backing the separatist movement in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The feud escalated when the former Soviet republic invited separatists from French territories to a conference in Baku, forming the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) to support French liberation and anti-colonialist movements, a claim Azerbaijan disputes.
Amid the tensions, France called back its ambassador to Azerbaijan in April, indicating further deterioration in their relationship.
The Senate report underscores the need to monitor attempts of foreign influence or interference in the Pacific territories that aim to foster anti-French sentiments.
The complex situation in the French territories is influenced by differing political views within the pro-French and pro-independence parties, along with shared sovereignty aspirations and shifting allegiances with countries like Azerbaijan.
The report also suggests clarifying and delegating more authority to the territories for self-administration due to the challenges of governing a territory located thousands of kilometers away from France.
President Brotherson’s meeting with Overseas Minister François-Noël Buffet in Paris highlights the acknowledgment that administering a collectivity like French Polynesia from such a distance is impractical, offering a glimmer of hope for greater autonomy.
However, the report concludes that the current autonomy status granted to the French territories under the Constitution remains the most advanced example, despite the ongoing support and financial assistance provided by France to its Pacific territories.
