The statement of the Protocol Service of First Lady of Azerbaijan received by Trend says: "The Protocol Service of the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva expresses deep indignation over slanderous figment published on December 3 this year in the Il Foglio newspaper, denigrating the honour and dignity of the First Lady of Azerbaijan. We officially state that "sensational information" published in the article ostensibly received from German diplomats is blatant lie and slander.
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 a dialogue of cultures and civilizations, safeguarding world cultural heritage, enhancing the role of women in the political and social life. It is obvious that growing prestige of the First Lady of Azerbaijan - the country, which finds itself in a difficult geopolitical position in the conflict-plagued region - causes a nervous reaction of some circles.
We realize that journalists` right not to disclose their sources of information is interpreted 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 authority of our country and international prestige of the First Lady of Azerbaijan. Following standard ethical norms and human rights for privacy and to be protected from slander enshrined in all international and European documents, the
Protocol Service of the First Lady of Azerbaijan, for its part, officially demands that Il Foglio present its apologies immediately to First Lady of Azerbaijan and publish refutation of the above-mentioned article. Our country reserves the right to officially file legal actions with Italian and international courts to protect honor and dignity of the First Lady of Azerbaijan"