The statement issued by the Protocol Service of the First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, reads: "The Protocol Service of the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva expresses its deep indignation over the 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 the "sensational information", published in the article ostensibly received from German diplomats, is a 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 for her active and all-round activity aimed at stepping up a dialogue of cultures and civilizations, safeguarding the world's cultural heritage, increasing the role of women in 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 - is causing a nervous reaction in 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 slanders, including on the request of some forces, which are not interested in the increasing authority of our country and the international prestige of the First Lady of Azerbaijan.
Following standard ethical norms and the human right to 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 the First Lady of Azerbaijan and publish a refutation of the above-mentioned article. Our country reserves the right to officially file legal actions with Italian and international courts to protect the honour and dignity of the First Lady of Azerbaijan"
