Azerbaijan has long resented France's alleged pro-Armenian stances. Now it is couching criticism of these stances in a broader critique of Paris' "neocolonialism."
While Saakashvili's health was the official reason for Kyiv to order the Georgian ambassador to leave, more far-reaching dissatisfaction is believed to be behind the decision.
Law enforcement continues to control movement in and out of the village of Soyudlu. More people have been arrested as well, including a former MP who represented the area.
The Armenian Church is boldly criticizing the country's secular leaders, particularly over their unpopular conciliatory moves in talks with Azerbaijan.