Azernews.Az

BAKU – The Protocol Service of Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva has condemned the article about her published in Italian Il Foglio newspaper, labeling it as false and slanderous.

The Protocol Service expressed "deep indignation" over the slanderous figment published on December 3 in the newspaper, denigrating the honor and dignity of the First Lady.

"We officially state that ‘sensational information’ published in the article ostensibly received from German diplomats is a blatant lie and slander," it said in a statement published by Azerbaijan’s state-run AzerTAj news agency.

"The First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva is known far outside our country thanks to her active and all-round activity aimed at stepping up dialogue of cultures and civilizations, safeguarding the world's cultural heritage, enhancing the role of women in the political and social life. It is obvious that the growing prestige of the First Lady of Azerbaijan – a country which finds itself in a difficult geopolitical position in the conflict-plagued region – causes a nervous reaction of some circles."

The statement said further that journalists’ right not to disclose their sources of information is seen by some tabloid publications as an opportunity to publish blatant slander including that by request of some forces which are not interested in the increasing influence of Azerbaijan and the international image of the country’s First Lady.

In keeping with standard ethical norms and the rights to privacy and to be protected from slander enshrined in all international documents, the Protocol Service demanded that Il Foglio immediately extend its apologies to Azerbaijan’s First Lady and publish a retraction.

"Our country reserves the right to officially file legal actions with Italian and international courts to protect the honor and dignity of the First Lady of Azerbaijan," the Service warned.