Важно донести голос порабощенных народов до всего мира — эксперт

Summary

The transcript discusses an international conference in Baku on the issue of the illegal occupation of Mayotte by France, a territory that remains a French department despite being part of the Comoros Islands. Political scientist Orkhan Nabiev explains that while Mayotte was not technically occupied, its status as a French department is a point of contention. He highlights how geopolitical interests and France's military presence in the region impact the situation. Nabiev also addresses post-colonial issues and the role of international organizations, particularly Azerbaijan, in advocating for the rights of such territories. The conversation delves into colonialism's lasting impact, France's neocolonial policies, and the importance of amplifying the voices of smaller, overlooked regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conference held in Baku focused on the illegal occupation of the French island of Mayotte.
• 😀 According to international law, Mayotte is considered a French department rather than an occupied territory, as it was already part of France before the Comoros gained independence in 1975.
• 😀 Mayotte's national liberation movement works closely with the Comoros, pushing for the island's reunification with the Comoros despite French resistance and multiple vetoes.
• 😀 In a 1975 referendum, 61% of Mayotte's residents voted to remain a part of France, but the demographic situation has changed, with 95% of the population now Muslim and increasingly opposed to being part of France.
• 😀 France continues to invest heavily in Mayotte to maintain control over the island, despite the growing desire of its population for independence.
• 😀 The international community, including countries like Azerbaijan, can help support Mayotte’s national liberation movement and its efforts to break free from French control.
• 😀 The memorandum signed between the Committee of Mayotte and the Baku initiative group focuses on returning Mayotte to the Union of the Comoros.
• 😀 Smaller territories like Mayotte are often overlooked by the global community, especially in the context of climate change and potential submersion due to rising sea levels.
• 😀 Azerbaijan emphasizes the importance of raising awareness for these small, overlooked territories through conferences, sessions, and by amplifying their voices in international forums like the UN General Assembly.
• 😀 The phrase 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,' once a guiding principle for France, no longer applies to its overseas territories as France continues a neo-colonial policy in the 21st century, driven by political and economic interests rather than equality.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the conference held in Baku?

The conference in Baku focused on the illegal occupation of the French island of Mayotte, which is a territory that remains under French control despite being geographically part of the Comoros.

How does the speaker differentiate between occupation and territorial holding according to international law?

The speaker explains that Mayotte is not technically an occupied territory, as it was already part of France before the Comoros gained independence. France retained Mayotte as a department, not as an occupied area. The situation is described as more of a prolonged territorial holding.

What historical event in 1975 is significant in the context of Mayotte's status?

In 1975, the Comoros Islands gained independence from France, but Mayotte remained a French department. A referendum in Mayotte that same year showed 61% of the population wanted to remain part of France, though the situation has changed over time.

What is the current demographic situation in Mayotte, and how does it affect the island's political stance?

Currently, 95% of Mayotte's population is Muslim, and there is growing resistance to being part of France. Despite substantial French financial support, many in Mayotte now seek to break away from France and join the Comoros Islands.

What role does international law play in the situation of Mayotte?

International law, including United Nations resolutions, has supported the integration of Mayotte into the Comoros. However, France has consistently vetoed these resolutions, leading to ongoing tension between Mayotte's desires for independence and French control.

What initiatives are being proposed to support Mayotte's aspirations for independence?

The speaker highlights the importance of international cooperation and mentions a memorandum signed between the Mare Committee and the Baku Initiative Group to push for Mayotte's return to the Comoros. This includes increased visibility and support through conferences and sessions at international forums like the UN.

Why are smaller territories like Mayotte often overlooked on the international stage?

Smaller territories like Mayotte are often neglected because they are isolated, and their voices are lost in the larger global conversations. The speaker compares this to the way post-colonial territories, such as those once part of the Russian Empire, were ignored despite their significant geopolitical position.

How does global climate change factor into the urgency of addressing Mayotte's situation?

The speaker suggests that global climate change, particularly rising sea levels, could threaten the existence of islands like Mayotte. This underlines the need for urgent international attention to these territories before they are further marginalized or even submerged.

What is the significance of countries like Azerbaijan supporting Mayotte's cause?

Azerbaijan and other nations can play a crucial role in amplifying Mayotte's cause on the international stage. By raising awareness and offering diplomatic support, these countries help ensure that the voices of marginalized territories are heard and their political struggles are addressed.

Why does France continue its neo-colonial policies despite its historical ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity?

The speaker argues that the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which were prominent during France's colonial era, no longer apply to its overseas territories. Instead, France's policies are driven by geopolitical and economic interests, particularly in maintaining control over strategic areas like Mayotte.