Ayhan Hajizade, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected accusations from the French Foreign Minister concerning the destruction of Armenian churches, as reported by Anadolu News Agency. Hajizade deemed the French minister’s use of "Nagorno-Karabakh" for Azerbaijan's sovereign Karabakh region unacceptable and a provocative statement questioning Azerbaijan's sovereignty and heritage protection. He further criticized the French minister for focusing on alleged demolition of structures from the occupation period while ignoring the destruction of hundreds of mosques and cultural heritage sites in Azerbaijani territories during the Armenian occupation. Hajizade also pointed to the reference to ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice as a clear example of double standards.